Gaweinstal, Lower Austria (OTS) – Together with Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler and Mayor Johannes Berthold, representatives from dm drogerie markt and ImWind were able to see for themselves the progress of the agricultural photovoltaic system currently under construction. In bright sunshine, the importance of renewable energies for the Austrian energy transition was emphasized.
The Lower Austrian solar park, developed and implemented by ImWind, combines the latest photovoltaic technology with ecological agriculture. With a bottleneck output of around 5 megawatt peak and an advanced tracker system that optimally adapts the PV modules to the path of the sun, the system sets new standards for efficiency and environmental compatibility. The innovative planning concept with almost vertically adjustable modules also enables the areas to be used almost entirely for agricultural purposes.
In advance, the local company dm drogerie markt secured the entire electricity production for the next 15 years as part of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This means that around 70 domestic dm branches will be able to be supplied with sustainable solar power in the future.
“This solar power plant is a prime example of successful dual use. Feed for horses grows below, and the PV panels above generate green electricity. In this way, we are driving forward the energy transition and supporting agriculture. Austria will generate all of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 – projects like this make an essential contribution to this.”
said Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler.
Johannes Berthold, mayor of Gaweinstal, emphasizes that climate protection has long been a major concern for the community. “With this agri-PV system, we are setting a further example towards a renewable energy future while at the same time using the land in a resource-efficient manner.”
“A sustainable energy future requires strong partnerships and innovative solutions. Our Agri-PV system here in Gaweinstal impressively demonstrates this. Renewable energies represent the key solution to guarantee our long-term independence from international energy markets and to make an effective contribution to protecting our climate. The implementation of further projects in this area will be essential to bring about real change. “
emphasizes Georg Waldner, CEO of ImWind.
Thomas Köck, Managing Director of dm Austria, reiterates the need for the rapid expansion of renewable energies: “The expansion of systems for generating renewable energy must be pushed forward at full speed in order to sustainably cover the energy needs of households and companies in Austria. We owe it to future generations to achieve climate goals and end dependence on fossil and imported energy sources.”
The project: Gaweinstal agricultural photovoltaic system
- Output: 4,939 MWp
- Number of modules: Around 8,200
- Generation: 6,200 MWh or around 70 dm branches
- CO2 savings: around 3,200 tons per year* or corresponds to the CO2 emissions of around 1,300 cars per year
- Planned commissioning: Q4 2024
About ImWind
ImWind is an Austrian wind and solar power pioneer and is one of the largest producers of renewable energy in Austria. For over 25 years, ImWind has been developing, building and operating wind and photovoltaic parks at home and abroad with a focus on Austria, Germany and Italy. Today, wind turbines and photovoltaic systems with an output of 500 MW produce more than 1.2 TWh of clean electricity per year for over 335,000 households in Austria. ImWind will invest around 1.5 billion euros in the expansion of renewable energies over the next 5 years.
About dm drogerie markt GmbH
dm drogerie markt GmbH opened its first branch in Austria in 1976. The company headquarters in Salzburg/Wals is the hub in Austria and for expansion into the associated countries in Central and Southeastern Europe. In total, dm Austria employs 7,057 people in the 385 dm branches, including 146 with dm hairdressing studio and 98 with dm cosmetic studio, as well as in the Salzburg headquarters, the dm dialogicum, and in the distribution center in Enns. In the 2022/23 financial year, sales of around 1.2 billion euros were generated in Austria. dm brands include Balea, alverde NATURKOSMETIK, dmBio, babylove, Denkmit, Profissimo and SUNDANCE.
Questions & Contact:
Johannes Pechhacker, MSc (WU)
Head of Office & Communications
E-Mail: jop@imwind.at