Ollersdorf: Role model for the energy transition - advantages for citizens and communities!

Ollersdorf: Role model for the energy transition - advantages for citizens and communities!

The market town of Ollersdorf in South Burgenland is considered a pioneer of the energy transition. The municipality began the implementation of photovoltaic projects on public buildings in 2013 and has since built over 60 photovoltaic systems. Mayor Bernd Strobl encourages other communities to strive for similar energy independence. A central component of Ollersdorf's success is the holistic energy concept, which also focuses on citizen participation. Evidence of this approach is the establishment of its own energy community, which enables fair electricity trade via Raiffeisen energy cooperatives.

Ollersdorf is also a pilot region in the EU funding program Horizon 2020 and will be the location of the first community hub in Burgenland in May 2025. This hub combines photovoltaic systems, battery storage and modern charging stations. A function of the community hub to be particularly highlighted is the emergency power supply for the community center, the fire brigade and the doctor's office. The modular battery memory ensures efficient use of electricity surpluses, while the members of the energy community benefit from more cost -effective electricity.

Meaning of citizen participation

So far, the participation of municipalities in the Renewable Energy Sergien law (EEG) has not been mandatory, but some federal states have already issued mandatory regulations on citizen participation. An investigation by the German Cooperative and Raiffeisenverband as well as the Alliance Citizens' Energy deals with the need for a nationwide regulation for citizen participation in wind and solar parks. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and North Rhine-Westphalia, it is already mandatory that citizens receive a range of participation in the construction of wind farms.

A stronger participation of citizens could not only increase acceptance for renewable energy projects, but also counteract conflicts in the establishment of decentralized renewable energy systems. The study "Regional added value, participation and acceptance in the energy transition" (REWA) underlines the importance of regional economic effects and financial participation for local acceptance. Eckhard Ott, CEO of the DGRV, emphasizes how decisive the regional added value is for the acceptance of wind and solar parks.

Findings from the energy transition

Social acceptance is one of the most important topics in the context of the energy transition, especially at the local level. Various approaches can help promote this acceptance. Among other things, the ten findings from the Rewa project include that targeted communication creates transparency and that opportunities for participation for municipalities and citizens are crucial to find acceptable solutions. Municipalities can become active themselves and found companies to participate in energy projects.

With a clear strategy for citizen participation, as is also implemented in Ollersdorf, local value creation effects can be communicated transparently. In addition, access to financial participation offers should be low -threshold in order to enable broad participation. This could help future projects to be able to count on a broader commitment to the population.

Overall, the example of Ollersdorf and the current discussions about citizen participation shows that regional partnerships and active participation of citizens are of central importance for the success of the energy transition. The municipality appeals to other, similar projects in cooperation with regional partners and thus make an important contribution to energy independence.