Visit by Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf: Discussion on Lower Austria as a business location, wind power and sustainable construction
The headquarters of Windkraft Simonsfeld was recently honored by klimaaktiv Austria as a showcase project for sustainable construction. The award was presented by Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf himself in Krems. He took the opportunity to visit the site and exchange views on the implementation of the energy transition.
From left to right: Markus Winter (CTO Windkraft Simonsfeld), Gerhard Toifl (Mayor of Ernstbrunn), Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf, Alexander Hochauer (CFO Windkraft Simonsfeld) - (c) Astrid Knie
The expansion of the company headquarters was awarded the Klimaaktiv GOLD standard with the highest possible score—1,000 out of a possible 1,000 points—for its energy-efficient and resource-saving concept. The building also recently received the Lower Austrian Timber Construction Award.
Wind – the power of the regions
Deputy Governor Pernkopf and Markus Winter, Chief Technology Officer at Windkraft Simonsfeld, also used the tour and personal meeting as an opportunity to discuss on planned future wind power and PV projects in Lower Austria and the opportunities presented by the new targets of the climate and energy roadmap for the expansion of wind and solar energy in Lower Austria, which were recently presented by Deputy Governor Pernkopf.
“Here on site, you can see perfectly that the expansion of renewable energy not only helps the environment, but above all strengthens the regional economy and creates many jobs. That's why we are happy to be Austria's green energy locomotive, because it makes our homeland less dependent on fossil fuel imports, increases security of supply, and also helps the economy,” says Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf. That is why the state government recently unanimously increased its wind power targets from 7,000 to 8,000 gigawatt hours. Across Lower Austria, 823 wind turbines are already producing electricity, meaning that Lower Austria is home to more than half of all wind turbines in Austria. A further 37 new wind turbines are set to be commissioned this year.
“I am delighted with the constructive and positive discussion. Regular dialogue with politicians is an important way for us to assess the situation. We are united by the common goal of strengthening Lower Austria's economy, increasing security of supply, and making the province independent of fossil fuel imports. With our projects, we can make an important contribution to a secure and affordable electricity supply in our home region,” said Winter.
With the expansion of its headquarters, Windkraft Simonsfeld is also creating new attractive green jobs in the region and underlining its commitment as a Europe-wide company with its home base in Lower Austria.
