Weiz is becoming the powerhouse of the energy transition: Siemens Energy is expanding

Weiz is becoming the powerhouse of the energy transition: Siemens Energy is expanding

In Weiz, Siemens Energy is setting new standards in the world of renewable energies. With the expanded production of transformers for wind turbines, the location is becoming an important player in the global energy transition. The factory expansion, which includes almost three times the production capacity, responds to the growing demand for sustainable energy supply solutions.

The transformers that are exported from Weiz to more than 70 countries have an impressive export rate of 80 percent. Christian Ettl, the plant manager, emphasizes: "The energy transition cannot take place without transformers. Our investments ensure that our products continue to make a decisive contribution to wind farms and power grids worldwide." What is particularly notable is the dominance of Weizer products in the offshore wind power sector, where they are used in around 80 percent of all wind farms.

Climate protection with local commitment

In November, several representatives of the “Green Tech Valley” program from IV-Styria and IV-Carinthia had the opportunity to visit the Siemens Energy arm in Weiz. This initiative promotes climate-neutral development and the exchange of ideas for innovative energy projects.

Martin Kalcher from Siemens informed the visitors about the importance of “Large Power Transformers” production for the growing demands on renewable energies. In the context of regional projects such as EnergieZukunft WEIZplus, Rafael Bramreiter, board member of the cooperative, pointed out the need for a collaborative approach to the energy transition: “It is crucial that all actors in the region pull together.” This commitment is intended not only to facilitate access to renewable energies, but also to completely replace fossil fuels.

WEIZplus serves as a groundbreaking project and has been driving the regional energy transition since its founding in December 2023. The aim is to convert the energy supply in Eastern Styria to 100 percent renewable energy. Around 41 communities and 120,000 residents are behind this initiative, which is also supported by the Fossilfree4Industry project. The latter offers five large-scale demonstration models that focus on the specific energy needs of industry and commerce.

These projects demonstrate that the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is both feasible on an industrial scale and can provide economic benefits. The vision is to establish Eastern Styria as a model region for the entire Austrian region, the findings of which can also be transferred to other regions.

With Siemens Energy as the driving force and the supporting regional initiatives, Weiz is taking a clear path towards the future of green energy.