Austria’s OMV has announced the start of gas extraction at the Wittau well in Austria. Discovered in 2023, Wittau is considered OMV’s most significant gas discovery in recent decades (OMV press release, 18/05/2026). “Wittau represents the successful start-up of the largest gas discovery in Austria in the past 40 years”, stated the company’s CEO. During the first phase of the Wittau project, 11 TWh of gas will be developed (around 1 bcm). After the investment decision made in early 2025, production is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026, securing a reliable supply for the winter of 2026/27.
Once fully developed, the Wittau project is expected to double OMV’s gas production in Austria. It holds potential recoverable resources of 48 TWh (approximately 4.2 bcm). The company also stated that this development will help extend and secure gas production in Austria well into the future. OMV additionally sees further investment potential of around EUR500m in the region, subject to market conditions and future investment decisions.
Austria’s gas production has been declining by more than 9%/year since 2012, when it peaked at 1.8 bcm, falling to less than 0.6 bcm in 2025, representing 8% of total consumption (Enerdata Global Energy Research).
This announcement comes amid global supply disruptions and following reports that EU energy ministers recently discussed increasing domestic oil and gas production as part of a broader strategy to reinforce energy security (Argus press release, 12/05/2026).