Eisenstadt, 11 October 2024 - This pioneering project aims to transform the heating sector in the climate and energy model region (KEM) ‘Wärmewende Eisenstadt & Umgebung’ into a climate protection-oriented system. In addition to the provincial capital Eisenstadt, this new KEM focus region includes the following 14 neighbouring municipalities: Breitenbrunn :: Donnerskirchen :: Klingenbach :: Mörbisch :: Oggau :: Oslip :: Purbach :: Rust :: Schützen am Gebirge :: Siegendorf :: St. Margarethen im Burgenland :: Trausdorf an der Wulka :: Wulkaprodersdorf :: Zagersdorf
‘Burgenland has set itself ambitious goals with its climate strategy. The heating transition in Eisenstadt and the surrounding area is a crucial building block in achieving climate neutrality by 2030. We support this project wholeheartedly because it offers municipalities and citizens a unique opportunity to shape the energy transition together and replace fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives. In doing so, we are not only creating the basis for a sustainable energy supply in the region, but are also making an important contribution to the Austrian climate goal of significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels,’ says Deputy Governor Astrid Eisenkopf.
‘The Research Burgenland team came out on top against numerous other regions in a two-stage application process. Our funding totalling 1 million euros is well invested here in Burgenland,’ says Bernd Vogl, Managing Director of the Climate and Energy Fund, which is funding the project.
For more than 10 years, the central overarching theme of Forschung Burgenland has been the promotion of renewable energy and thus the reduction of global warming in the medium term. ‘The effects of climate change are also clearly recognisable in Burgenland: Heat, heavy rain, flooding and hail precipitation did not exist to this extent in the past. We are already experiencing climate change. If the climate as a whole changes, we must also change. The implementation of research projects in the communities, also with the involvement of the local population, is a particular concern of ours. In addition to the economic aspects, it helps to raise awareness, especially of important environmental issues,’ says Marcus Keding, Managing Director of Forschung Burgenland.
In terms of content, the project ranges from replacing fossil-fuelled heating systems, increasing efficiency in the space heating sector, energy space planning, district heating expansion, support for energy-poor households to comprehensive awareness raising, information dissemination and energy advice.
For project manager Marion Schönfeldinger, ‘the cooperation between 15 Burgenland municipalities, the province of Burgenland and the numerous stakeholders in the context of the heating transition is a strong signal for the future. This solidarity underlines the joint commitment to a sustainable and climate-friendly future in the Burgenland region and will show how crucial cooperation at all levels is for the success of the heating transition.’
Detailed information on the project:
Forschung Burgenland GmbH
DIin Marion Schönfeldinger, Projektmanagerin
Phone. +43 (0)5/7705 5462, E-Mail: marion.schoenfeldinger(at)forschung-burgenland.at
Press contact: Petra SIMON, MAS, E-Mail: ps(at)petrasimon.at, Phone: +43 664 5175033
