Eisenstadt, 10 October 2026: The event kicked off with the official opening by Deputy Governor Anja Haider-Wallner, Bernd Vogl, Managing Director of the Climate and Energy Fund, Marcus Keding, Managing Director of Forschung Burgenland, and Project Manager Marion Schönfeldinger.
“The heating transition must not be a matter of income. Our aim is a climate-friendly heating supply that remains affordable for everyone in Burgenland. This requires a clear political framework, targeted support and solutions that resonate with the public,” emphasised Deputy Governor Anja Haider-Wallner.
The symposium focused on the question of how Austria’s heating supply can be made climate-friendly, crisis-proof and affordable by 2040. Christoph Dolna-Gruber from the Austrian Energy Agency highlighted the opportunities presented by the transition. Roger Hackstock, President of the Austrian Renewable Energy Association, addressed the economic challenges. Michael Weixelbraun, Managing Director of BE Energy, presented Burgenland’s heating strategy.
“The technologies for the heating transition are already available. The task now is to scale up innovative solutions from individual pilot projects to widespread implementation. In addition to funding, what is needed above all is long-term planning certainty so that local authorities, businesses and private households can invest,” emphasised Bernd Vogl, Managing Director of the Climate and Energy Fund.
Marcus Keding, Managing Director of Forschung Burgenland, emphasised the importance of knowledge transfer: “Our aim is to make solutions tangible and to build bridges between research, practice and the general public. The heating transition, in particular, raises specific questions: How can we heat our homes affordably and in a climate-friendly way in future? What local options are available? This is precisely where research can help by highlighting different solutions and, together with local authorities and the public, developing approaches that actually work in everyday life.”
The subsequent panel discussion, ‘Energy crises as an opportunity – How can we achieve a resilient heating transition?’, along with two workshops on economic implementation models, infrastructure and political framework conditions, provided a forum for discussion and concrete solutions.
The Heating Transition Up Close – a day of experiences for all generations
On Saturday, the festival opened its doors to the whole family. At the ‘Wärmewende’ market square, regional companies and organisations provided information on modern heating systems, renovation options and funding schemes. Guided tours of the GreenTech BioCampus organised by Burgenland Energie offered insights into innovative energy solutions.
There was also a varied programme for the youngest guests: the puppet show ‘Kasperl and the Climate Fairy’, as well as painting and activity stations, brought the ‘Wärmewende’ to life in a playful way.
A particular highlight was the ‘Heating of the Future’ drawing competition, in which 480 nursery school children from the 15 ‘Wärmewende’ municipalities took part. Their creative drawings were exhibited at the festival, and the winners were selected by lottery during an awards ceremony.
The photo exhibition ‘Energy Poverty Has Many Faces’ also brought the social dimension of the heating transition into focus. It drew attention to the realities of life for people at risk of energy poverty and highlighted that a climate-friendly heating supply must be affordable for everyone.
Shaping the heating supply of tomorrow together
The 2nd Heating Transition Festival provided important impetus for a climate-friendly and affordable heating supply. It demonstrated that the heating transition can only succeed through the collaboration of politics, research, business and the public.
About the project
The ‘Wärmewende Eisenstadt & Umgebung’ Climate and Energy Model Region comprises 15 municipalities in northern Burgenland. The project is being implemented by Forschung Burgenland and funded by the Climate and Energy Fund.
Further information: www.waermewende-burgenland.at
Project Manager: Marion Schönfeldinger, MEng, Forschung Burgenland
marion.schoenfeldinger(at)hochschule-burgenland.at | 057705 – 5462
Press contact: Petra SIMON, MAS
ps(at)petrasimon.at | +43 664 5175033
