Wiener Stadtwerke: Renewable Energy as an Answer to Global Crises

Peter Weinelt, head of Wiener Stadtwerke, classifies the expansion of renewable energy not only as a climate protection measure, but above all as a safeguard against global crises. As evidence of climate change, he cites noticeable changes such as increasing drought and rising temperatures – phenomena that, in his assessment, have long been apparent in practice, not just in studies. Since 2022, Europe has had to painfully experience what dependence on energy imports means, says Weinelt. Whether heat waves or geopolitical crisis hotspots: investments in renewable energy for electricity and heat repeatedly prove to be key to greater resilience.

Specifically, Wien Energie is sticking to its goal of completely replacing gas heating in Vienna by 2040. Around 10,000 apartments per year are being converted from individual gas floor heating to district heating or heat pumps – a scale that corresponds to a medium-sized Austrian city, but is comparatively small for Vienna itself. Weinelt cites the lack of a legal obligation to switch heating systems as an obstacle, since the planned Renewable Heat Act was not passed under the previous government.

Despite the challenges, Weinelt wants to stick to the set goals: In his view, softening them would not bring acceleration, but would only further delay the transition.

Bild: KI-generiert