There is no question: the transformation from the use of fossil fuels towards climate-neutral production processes is a Herculean task. But also one that has to be in order to be able to survive in the future.
Mayor Klaus Luger (SP), who does not question Linz as an industrial city, is also aware of this. Linz will remain an industrial city, but it is important to create the conditions for the switch to CO2-neutral steel and chemical production. “A lot has changed this year,” said Luger. This is visible in the major projects of voestalpine, Borealis and Linz AG, which will invest “a total of more than two billion euros” directly in climate protection measures in the coming years. The pharmaceutical company Takeda is also pursuing ambitious climate goals.
Organizational and structural requirements were also created this year in the administration and coordination of climate protection measures by the city, said Luger.
Linz wants to establish itself as a “center for hydrogen research” in the coming years. A lot would happen even on a small scale. Since the establishment of the municipal climate fund, which is endowed with one million euros annually, 50 projects with aspects of sustainability have been funded and implemented. Climate coordinator Othmar Schrot cited as examples the projects “Climate Axis” (a concept for the climate-friendly redesign of the axis from Linz’s main square via Lederergasse to the commercial harbor), “Klimaeck” (low-threshold information transfer in the library in the knowledge tower) and “Climate Guides” from Volkshilfe Oberösterreich (Promoting energy management in Linz and thus counteracting energy poverty).
Photovoltaic offensive starts
Luger and Schrot announced further steps towards the energy transition for the coming year. The city of Linz’s photovoltaic offensive will start, the 2024 climate neutrality concept will be completed and approved in the spring, and Linz wants to become a pioneer city when it comes to decarbonization in the Franckviertel as a model for other parts of the city.
