30 Years Is Just the Beginning: Windkraft Simonsfeld Celebrates Its Anniversary
With Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen as our “special guest,” we celebrated our 30th anniversary as a company dedicated to the energy transition. More than 1,000 guests from neighboring communities, long-time supporters, and employees joined us for a grand celebration filled with positive energy.
“We must do everything we can to become more independent in our energy supply,” said Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen as he opened the ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of Windkraft Simonsfeld at the company’s headquarters in Ernstbrunn (Lower Austria). “For three decades, companies like Windkraft Simonsfeld have proven that this path is feasible. The expansion of renewable energy is not only crucial for climate protection but also key to competitiveness and European sovereignty,” he added.
Pernkopf: Value Creation and Jobs
The importance of renewable energy is also evident at the regional level. Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf emphasized: “The success story of Windkraft Simonsfeld is closely linked to Lower Austria. Pioneering work was done here; this is where value is created and jobs are generated. The energy transition isn’t happening just anywhere—it’s happening in the regions. We’re continuing down this path in Lower Austria; we want to increase energy independence and regional value creation. That’s why the state government has also jointly raised the expansion targets.”
Winter: A Stable, Domestic Energy Supply
This anniversary gives Windkraft Simonsfeld an opportunity to look ahead—true to the motto “30 years are just the beginning.” The past decades have demonstrated the dynamic development of the energy sector and the significant challenges that still lie ahead. Markus Winter, Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the current landscape: “Geopolitical developments in Europe and the Middle East show how vulnerable our energy system is and how important a stable, domestic energy supply is,” said Winter. “The expansion of renewable energy is not a question of ‘if,’ but a prerequisite for security of supply and stable energy prices.”
Despite challenging conditions, much has changed in recent years—renewable energy is now a central component of the energy supply and has become an indispensable part of the energy system.
Hochauer: An Economically Viable Model for the Future
The company also sees significant economic opportunities. Chief Financial Officer Alexander Hochauer emphasized: “For us, the energy transition is not a project of sacrifice, but an economically viable, sustainable model for the future. Our goal is to implement projects in a way that not only generates clean energy but also fosters concrete participation and long-term prospects.
“What began with two wind turbines is now a company with 96 turbines and enough electricity production to power over 160,000 households. Windkraft Simonsfeld has also grown significantly in terms of organization—151 employees are now part of this development.”
Working Together for the Energy Transition
The fact that the energy transition enjoys broad support was also evident at the anniversary celebration itself. The event, organized as a “green event,” brought together people from the region, long-time partners, and employees—many of whom have been with the company for years. With a donation to the WWF, Windkraft Simonsfeld also demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility.
Thus, the 30th anniversary became not only a look back but also a shared look ahead—and a celebration of the energy transition.
