The citizens’ power plants project launched by Vienna’s municipal energy provider Wien Energie allows everyone to participate in the development of eco-friendly electricity generated by solar photovoltaic panels. Especially in cities, where the majority of the population live in rented accommodation, people do not usually have the option of installing solar panels on their own roof. With its citizens’ power plants, Wien Energie gives private individuals the opportunity to make a collective investment in clean energy. Wien Energie is in charge of operating the photovoltaic plants. In return for their investment the co-owners of the plants receive an annual remuneration in the form of vouchers from Wien Energie over a period of five years. This community funding model benefits the environment, Wien Energie and investors alike.

A success story for Vienna

Vienna’s first citizens’ power plant opened on 4 May 2012 on the premises of Donaustadt power station, and Wien Energie has been expediting the expansion of the model ever since. Over 30 solar and wind plants are already supplying the city with carbon-free energy. The thousands of local investors and the continued high levels of interest in the model demonstrate the Viennese public’s strong commitment to climate action.

30% renewables by 2030

A secure, affordable, environmentally sound, needs-based energy supply is and remains one of the most important prerequisites for the city’s high quality of life and economic development. The Smart City Wien Framework Strategy envisages that by 2030 30%, and by 2050 70% of Vienna’s final energy consumption will originate from renewable sources. This requires both investment in power plants within the urban area as well as imports of renewables from the surrounding region and/or via long-distance cables. The citizens’ power plants are making a major contribution to renewable power generation within the municipal boundaries and in the wider region and are thus helping to meet the energy targets of the Smart City Wien Framework Strategy.

If you are interested in investing in a Wien Energie citizens’ power plant, visit the Wien Energie website and/or sign up for the newsletter.

Contact

Wien Energie GmbH

E-Mail: buergerkraftwerke@wienenergie.at

Website: www.buergerkraftwerke.at