The coal and gas power plant in Peisching in the Lower Austrian district of Neunkirchen is now being replaced by a photovoltaic system. In the Weinviertel, however, new systems will soon provide fresh wind and green electricity.
Opened in the 1960s by the legendary Chancellor Leopold Figl, the gas and coal power plant “Hohe Wand” in Peisching was shut down in 1987. Since then, the 110 meter high chimney has been considered an industrial monument. In a few months, this will literally give way to the energy transition. A photovoltaic system should soon replace the “coal capacitor”. “The fireplace has been a landmark in the region for decades. Our giant stood for prosperity and secure supplies,” regrets a resident. But like many other residents of the district of Neunkirchen, he is powerless against this drastic step. Step by step towards a greener future The location in the south of the country was also a control room for the power grid from the start. The grid systems continued to be operated by the EVN subsidiary Netz NÖ until 2008 after the end of the fossil power plant. The demolition of the old substation, including various auxiliary facilities and the former control room, is already planned for spring 2023. The highlight of the process will be the removal of the chimney. “If everything goes according to plan, the work will be completed by autumn next year,” emphasizes EVN spokesman Stefan Zach. Peisching will remain an important blue-yellow energy hub even without the old tower. The power plant area has been used as energy wood storage for the operation of the biomass heating plants for several years. Now, with the construction of a large photovoltaic system, a further step towards the gentle “eco-future” is being taken. “The areas cannot be used for agriculture and are therefore predestined for large-scale solar power generation,” says Zach, who also points out: “Today we would include such small, fast-starting gas turbines in the grid structure for security of supply, for balancing out fluctuations in wind and sun after a blackout that is becoming more and more likely.” EVN intends to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by around 60 percent by 2034. Wind power offensive is now starting in the WeinviertelThe energy transition is also being pushed ahead in the Weinviertel. Since October, a wind farm named after the two communities has been erected in the communities of Großkurt and Altlichtenwarth. Four modern systems will be built and will provide green electricity in around 19,200 households in the future. “In our newly defined timetable, we made a very clear decision in favor of wind power. By 2035, this is to be tripled and, in addition to the modernization of existing systems, 250 new wind turbines are also to be built,” says Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf, setting out the energy route.
source site-12