Forward-looking exchange:

Leonore Gewessler visits Windkraft Simonsfeld

How can the energy transition succeed in Austria? What framework conditions are needed to accelerate the expansion of renewable energy across the country? These and many other questions were discussed by Leonore Gewessler, federal spokesperson for the Austrian Green Party, and our Management Board members Markus Winter and Alexander Hochauer during her visit to our headquarters in Ernstbrunn.

The discussion focused on the current challenges facing the sector – from lengthy approval procedures and nature conservation issues to public acceptance and the question of how Austria’s security of supply can be sustainably strengthened through the consistent expansion of renewable energy.

Critical issues were also addressed openly: for example, why from our company’s perspective the Renewable Energy Expansion Acceleration Act (EABG) provides hardly any real acceleration, why binding targets for the federal states with consequences for failing to meet them are urgently needed, and what kind of political support is required to better counter the increasingly well-organised opposition to renewable energy projects.

A particular highlight was the joint visit to our Kreuzstetten wind farm. At a height of more than 120 metres, we were treated to an impressive view across the Weinviertel region – and of the enormous potential of domestic wind power for a secure, independent and climate-friendly energy supply.

The visit once again demonstrated how important continuous dialogue between politics and business is. Only by working together can the right framework conditions be created to shape Austria’s energy future sustainably. Many thanks to Leonore Gewessler for the open and constructive exchange. One thing is clear: the energy transition can only succeed together – through dialogue between politics, business and society.

Photos (c) Die Grünen