Wiener Stadtwerke are discussing a new start for the EU in Brussels – BILD

The Wiener Stadtwerke organized a panel discussion on Wednesday evening in the Wien-Haus in Brussels in front of around 100 guests on the topic “Restart for the EU: What does that mean for energy and mobility?” After the opening words by Peter Weinelt, General Director of the Wiener Stadtwerke, and his Deputies Monika Unterholzner and Roman Fuchs discussed Franz Wirtenberger, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Austria, Angelika Winzig (ÖVP) and Andreas Schieder (SPÖ) with Weinelt and Unterholzner.

Central questions about the future of energy within the European Union were discussed – climate neutrality, security of supply and competitiveness. For example, whether accelerating the climate change is a necessity in order to secure Europe’s energy future. “A climate-neutral Europe needs the heat transition and a sustainable energy market reform in order to be able to create long-term security of supply. I welcome the fact that the implementation of the measures already decided at EU level is in full swing. It is crucial that the energy and mobility transition reaches customers – only then will it be successful“, so Peter Weinelt.

Wiener Stadtwerke is investing 8.8 billion euros in climate-friendly infrastructure by 2028, which will gradually move away from dependence on fossil imports. Against the background of the Russian attack on Ukraine and the resulting uncertainty on the energy market, the urgency of European energy independence became particularly clear. The transition to renewable energy must be accelerated to reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil imports. The promotion of technologies such as geothermal energy and climate-neutral district heating plays a key role in the decarbonization of the heat sector.

The importance of strong public infrastructure for the resilience of the European economy was also emphasized. “Critical infrastructures are the essential backbone of society, whose physical and digital security should be the top priority“said Unterholzner. In addition, stable financing conditions and clear support mechanisms for municipal companies were highlighted as cornerstones of future investments. “A reliable framework is needed that ensures the financing of climate-friendly mobility and energy infrastructure while at the same time promoting fair competitive conditions to secure Europe’s economic and ecological future“, so Roman Fuchs.

Photos You can find information about the event at: https://terabox.wienit.at/index.php/s/GAfNc2YSp2SB9jk

About Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH

Wiener Stadtwerke is the most important infrastructure service provider in the greater Vienna area. As an economic engine, Austria’s largest municipal infrastructure service provider with six billion euros in sales and 17,000 employees is a driving force for Vienna as a business location. The group includes, among others, Wien Energie, Wiener Netze, Wiener Linien, Wiener Lokalbahnen, Wipark as well as Burial Vienna and Cemeteries Vienna.