Datenbank der Projekte zur ländlichen Entwicklung

The project focused on using available forestry biomass to produce energy. This became possible due to the installation of a biomass heating system that has led to growing independence from external energy suppliers and increased local incomes.

A farmers' cooperative, Bioenergie Hitzendorf, operating in Reiteregg (St. Bartholomä), planned to make the transition from using old heating methods (oil heating) to modern ones (bioenergy). After the mayor of the commune of St. Bartholomä requested assistance in developing environmentally friendly heating solutions, the company started to work on project.

The objectives of the project were to: - Diversify the energy supply in the Styrian region - Reduce dependence on imported fossil energy sources - Mobilise regional marketing of domestic biomass resources to promote the wide application of bioenergy - Increase the incomes and profitability of entrepreneurs, farmers and foresters in the region - Create new employment opportunities in the region

A biomass heating system with a connected load of 350 kilowatts was built and supplied by a short supply line. In the central heating system, a biomass boiler with a rated thermal input of 350 kilowatts, which produces the required thermal energy to power the plant, has been installed. The biomass boiler is operational throughout the year.

The new heating system has increased energy efficiency and removed dependence on traditional (external) energy supplies. The realisable economic value of local forests has increased as they offer wood, which can now be used for producing fuel.Local economic growth has been encouraged through the provision of heat energy to commercial businesses, public and residential buildings and private clients.

The innovative farmers' cooperative from the Hitzendorf region has demonstrated that it is possible to successfully convert from having been solely fuel suppliers to retailers generating renewable energy and additional income.

Reiteregg 6, 8151 St. Bartholomä

Steiermark

Austria

267 110

80 132

184 978

Dr. Horst Jauschnegg

horst.jauschnegg@lk-stmk.at

+43 316 8050 1277

English, German