The overall increasing demand for energy, not least due to the growth of the world population, as well as the challenges associated with climate change call for innovations in the entire energy sector. In order to enable people to have a self-sufficient, sustainable energy supply under these circumstances, wienerberger relies on future-oriented solutions such as the energy sharing technology from eFriends. We look forward to further developing this achievement together.
Heimo Scheuch, CEO of Wienerberger AG
Vienna (OTS) –
- wienerberger supports the expansion of innovative solutions for energy management in the area of solar power
- eFriends’ energy sharing concept enables efficient use of decentralized energy sources
By 2030, the share of renewable energy in the EU as a percentage of gross energy consumption is expected to rise to at least 32%. Expanding the use of solar energy plays a central role in achieving this goal. In addition, the need for solutions for effective and efficient energy management increases with increasing building electrification and the growth of decentralized energy producers. As a full-service provider of solar roof solutions, wienerberger actively supports the switch to renewable energies and also promotes solutions for efficient energy management.
With its investment in eFriends, wienerberger is supporting a decentralized energy sharing business model. eFriends offers a platform technology through which users can share self-produced solar power with other users in real time via an app. Anyone who produces a surplus announces this in the app and offers the electricity to share. Consumers find these offers in the app, connect with the producer, and the electricity can flow. eFriends itself acts as an electricity provider. eFriends thus enables local energy producers to participate more directly in the electricity market and contributes to grid stabilization through regional marketing.
In addition to wienerberger, VERBUND X Ventures and the venture capital fund Rockstart also participated in the capital round. Other investors in eFriends are Raiffeisen Ware Austria (RWA). With the investment, eFriends wants to take new steps in growth and open up the energy sharing model even more to companies and industry. This creates holistic community approaches that create a better balance between energy demand and energy availability on site.
As locally anchored and internationally active companies, wienerberger and eFriends share a common vision: to improve people’s quality of life and create a future worth living for future generations. wienerberger is convinced that a sustainable society that communicates across borders requires new ways of working together based on shared values. Wienerberger supports the creation of these paths with its investment in eFriends.
Heimo Scheuch, CEO of Wienerberger AG, says: “The overall increasing demand for energy, not least due to the growth of the world population, as well as the challenges associated with climate change call for innovations in the entire energy sector. In order to enable people to have a self-sufficient, sustainable energy supply under these circumstances, wienerberger relies on future-oriented solutions such as the energy sharing technology from eFriends. We look forward to further developing this achievement together.
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As a leading provider of innovative and ecological solutions for the entire building envelope in the areas of new construction and renovation as well as for infrastructure in water and energy management, wienerberger already offers a comprehensive solution portfolio to meet the needs of its customers and is actively involved in the development and implementation of sustainable and innovative energy technologies.
wienerberger
wienerberger is a leading provider of innovative, ecological solutions for the entire building envelope in the areas of new construction and renovation as well as for infrastructure in water and energy management. With more than 19,000 employees worldwide, wienerberger’s solutions enable energy-efficient, healthy, climate-friendly and affordable living. wienerberger is the largest brick producer in the world and market leader for clay roof tiles in Europe and for concrete paving in Eastern Europe. The company is one of the leading providers in Europe for pipe systems (stoneware and plastic pipes). With the acquisition of Meridian Brick, wienerberger has further expanded its position as a leading provider of facade products in North America. With more than 200 production locations across the group, wienerberger generated sales of around €5.0 billion and EBITDA of €1 billion in 2022.
Questions & Contact:
Claudia Hajdinyak, Head of Corporate Communications Wienerberger AG
t +43 664 828 31 83 | claudia.hajdinyak@wienerberger.com