2024-11-13 10:41:00
Grünstrom GmbH, based in Trofaiach, supports the Climate Neutral 2040 platform. The two managing directors of Grünstrom GmbH, Michael Hainzl and Josef Maier, are convinced that every initiative to achieve the climate goals in Styria is crucial. The independence from foreign energy imports and the security of supply for Styria and Austria as a business location in particular motivate the two managing directors to work for a climate-neutral Styria. “The energy transition is visible. We are therefore committed to greater acceptance among the population. “A Styria worth living in, with an affordable energy supply and secure jobs in a sustainable industry, only works if the course for the energy transition is consistently set,” says Hainzl. “Unfortunately, the revised wind power program with an expanded and expanded system is missing for the rapid expansion of wind power mandatory zoning for wind turbines,” complains Hainzl. The wind energy program defines priority and suitability zones for the expansion of wind power. In order for Styria to achieve its goals for the expansion of wind energy, it needs more space and reliable framework conditions in order to be able to implement projects. Wind power supplies a particularly large amount of electricity, especially in winter. It is therefore an important pillar for a secure power supply in the winter months.
There are now corresponding priority zones for PV systems on open spaces, but only a fraction of them can be used because the infrastructure such as grid connections is missing. “In addition to solar power on the roofs, innovative concepts are needed, such as agri-PV, i.e. the dual use of agricultural land with PV systems,” says Maier. “The PV systems guarantee farmers additional income by providing the areas that are urgently needed for the energy transition. Above all, the industry’s hunger for energy will have to be satisfied. Styria should be prepared for this and more space must be made available for renewable energy projects,” explains Maier.
Grünstrom GmbH currently operates two renewable generation plants: (1) The Silbersberg wind farm consists of four plants with a total of 13.8 MWp bottleneck output. The construction time of the main work was only five months. (2) The Agri-PV open-space system in Trofaiach combines 6.4 MWp of output (which corresponds to around 7 million kWh of annual production) with grazing areas for sheep.
State elections will take place in Styria on November 24, 2024. “The state parties must show that they are committed to a sustainable Styria that wants to be independent of imported oil and gas and promotes domestic, renewable energy production,” demands Severin Ettl, spokesman for the Climate Neutral 2040 platform, adding: “It is a first step a binding Styrian climate and energy law that paves the way to climate neutrality in 2040 with suitable intermediate goals.” The managing directors of Styrian Grünstrom GmbH expect a future government to provide planning security and defined framework conditions for operators of renewable energy systems in order to be able to manage the high investments.
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**Interview with Michael Hainzl and Josef Maier, Managing Directors of Grünstrom GmbH**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Michael and Josef. Grünstrom GmbH is actively supporting the Climate Neutral 2040 platform. Can you tell us what motivated you to get involved in this initiative?
**Michael Hainzl:** Thank you for having us. Our primary motivation comes from the urgency of achieving climate goals in Styria. We believe that every initiative counts, especially in the context of energy independence and security for both Styria and Austria as a business location. It’s crucial for us to work towards a climate-neutral future.
**Josef Maier:** Absolutely. We’re not just focusing on climate goals; we want to ensure that Styria remains a place where people can thrive. Our commitment to fostering acceptance among the population for the energy transition is essential. We envision a livable Styria with affordable energy and secure jobs in a sustainable industry.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of wind power in achieving these goals. What challenges are you currently facing regarding the wind power program in Styria?
**Hainzl:** The revised wind power program is unfortunately lacking. We need mandatory zoning for wind turbines to facilitate the rapid expansion of wind power. The program must clearly define priority and suitability zones for this expansion to create a reliable framework for implementing projects.
**Maier:** Wind power is particularly significant during the winter months when electricity demand peaks. It can become a vital pillar for a secure power supply, but we need more space allocated for these installations.
**Interviewer:** What about solar energy? You’ve indicated that there are existing priority zones for PV systems, but it seems you face challenges there as well.
**Maier:** Yes, that’s correct. While there are designated zones for PV systems on open spaces, many of them remain unusable due to insufficient infrastructure, like grid connections. We need to explore innovative solutions, such as agri-PV, where agricultural land can be utilized for solar panels alongside traditional farming.
**Hainzl:** This kind of dual-use approach can significantly boost our renewable energy capacity while supporting our agricultural industries. It’s about finding synergy between these crucial sectors.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Michael and Josef, for sharing your insights. Your commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral Styria is commendable. Let’s hope for effective policy changes that will support your vision.
**Hainzl:** Thank you for having us. We remain hopeful and committed to making a difference.
**Maier:** Yes, thank you! Together, we can create a sustainable future for Styria.
