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On August 14, 2024, the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), in collaboration with Energy Burgenland, welcomed a distinguished delegation of Arab ambassadors and diplomats to Burgenland, Austria. This visit marked a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Austria and the Arab world, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable development.
The delegation was greeted by Mr. Hans Niessl, former Governor of Burgenland, and Andreas Czerny, CFO of Energie Burgenland. In their welcoming remarks, Mr. Niessl expressed his appreciation for the visit and provided an overview of his vision for Burgenland’s energy landscape. He highlighted how his vision of achieving energy independence from other regions in Austria became a reality. Through close cooperation with Energie Burgenland, the region successfully implemented one of its most impressive renewable energy projects. This initiative led to the installation of 420 wind turbines, the elimination of administrative obstacles, and the creation of a highly efficient financial structure, ensuring the remarkable execution of this ambitious project.
Andreas Czerny then presented the history of Energie Burgenland, focusing on key milestones and achievements in the development of renewable energy. He provided a future outlook that emphasized the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, with plans to further expand its renewable energy capacity and continue leading the region toward energy independence. Czerny also underscored Burgenland's goal of becoming the world’s first climate-neutral and energy-independent region by 2030, a vision that aligns with their ongoing efforts in digitalization, value chain optimization, and grid management.
During their visit, the delegation was introduced to Burgenland's remarkable achievements in renewable energy. They toured the region's largest solar park and several wind turbines, gaining
first-hand insights into the advanced technologies that have positioned Burgenland as a leader in renewable energy production. Since the installation of its first wind turbine in 1998, Burgenland has continuously innovated, achieving full energy self-sufficiency by 2013, and today produces 160% of its energy needs from renewable sources.
A significant part of the visit focused on the future of energy storage. Energie Burgenland, in collaboration with a specialized company, is at the forefront of developing a biological energy storage system. This innovative approach, currently in the testing phase, promises to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of energy use in the region. This development is a testament to Burgenland's commitment to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving field of renewable energy.
Moreover, the region’s strategy for 2030 includes ambitious targets such as increasing wind capacity by 1,000 MW, solar capacity by 2,300 MW, and storage capacity by 300 MWh. These efforts also include groundbreaking projects like the world's first organic wind-PV storage plant and the deployment of green hydrogen solutions, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 400,000 tons annually.
The day concluded with a luncheon at Das Fritz on Neusiedler See, where the Arab diplomats and Austrian hosts engaged in meaningful discussions about potential future collaborations. Notably, Energie Burgenland recently visited Oman and expressed strong interest in cooperating with Arab countries, signaling a significant step towards international partnerships. The event highlighted the vital role of the AACC in facilitating these high-level exchanges, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and fostering economic and technological partnerships between Austria and the Arab world.
At the conclusion of the event, the Algerian President, Mr. Latrusch, delivered a speech on behalf of the attending ambassadors and diplomats, expressing heartfelt thanks to the AACC and Energie Burgenland for organizing this event. His remarks underscored the importance of such gatherings in strengthening the ties between nations and advancing global sustainability goals.
Categories: Reports
