Common strength for the heat transition: Green Energy Lab and AEE Intec bundle forces!

Common strength for the heat transition: Green Energy Lab and AEE Intec bundle forces!

On May 15, 2025, the Green Energy Lab announced in cooperation with the AEE - Institute for Sustainable Technologies (AEE Intec) that both institutions bundle their strength to develop solutions for the heat transition in Austria. The focus is on the transformation of the heat and cold sector to reduce CO2 emissions and reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. In Austria, about half of the final energy consumption is omitted to the heat supply, which is mainly covered by fossil sources ots.at.

The Green Energy Lab, which was founded by large actors such as Vienna Energie and EVN, currently coordinates over 60 research and innovation projects, which represent an overall investment volume of 150 million euros. AEE Intec, an experienced player in the industry with around 90 employees, leads projects in the areas of energy efficiency, solar energy, heat pumps and many other sustainable energy solutions.

innovative approaches to the heat transition

An essential part of the cooperation is the "Provision of Energy" program of the climate and energy fund. The projects that lead the Green Energy Lab and AEE Intec include the use of residual heat from wastewater as well as the integration of solar thermal and waste incineration plants into existing systems. Almost every fourth household in Austria is already connected to a heating network, which underlines the importance of this infrastructure.

Wien Energie is pursuing innovative approaches, including the creation of a large -scale heat storage in Theiß (Lower Austria) with a capacity of 50,000 m³. In addition, an electric battery storage system is integrated to optimize the seasonal heat storage. In addition, the "Flex module" project provides for the development of a modular thermochemical storage system.

strategic heat space planning

In order to further advance the implementation of sustainable heat solutions, an insight talk on sustainable heat space planning and local and district heating systems took place on February 25, 2025. The strategic district heating planning in Kapfenberg and the BM Retrofit project were discussed on the modernization of biomass -based heating networks. Best practice examples such as the local heating in Kreuzstetten, as can be significantly reduced by technical modernizations CO2 emissions, [greenenergylab.at] (https://greenenergylab.at/NHANG-UND-FernwaermeloSungen-in-der-De- Regional Waerma Planning/).

Franz Mauthner from AEE Intec also presented the design of an energy actress for the federal states of Styria, Vienna and Salzburg, supported by modern webgis tools. This project is intended to provide a better planning basis for the energy transition and promote the extensive collection of waste heat potential.

Funding initiative "Lighthouses of the heat change"

To support the switch to renewable heat, the climate and energy fund has launched a new funding initiative. With a budget of 45 million euros, the aim is to quickly implement research results into practice. The focus is on companies and research institutions as well as municipal initiatives, such as Klimafonds.gv.at.

The tender includes focus such as the construction and operation of innovation laboratories as well as the promotion of integrated projects for decarbonizing district heating networks. Applications for funding can be submitted by April 17, 2025, and a free online information event for potential submissions will be offered on December 17, 2024

Overall, the cooperation between Green Energy Lab and AEE Intec and the funding initiatives of the climate and energy fund shows how significant the development of sustainable energy concepts for the future of heat supply in Austria. Innovative approaches, more efficient technologies and extensive support programs can help to reduce dependence on fossil energies and to pave the way for a climate -friendly energy future.