From the 2026/27 heating season onwards, households and businesses in the area are set to be supplied with climate-friendly heat from renewable energy sources. There are also plans to generate green electricity for the region in the future. The project has a modular design, offering long-term development opportunities for an even greater regional supply of renewable energy.
Regional energy for hundreds of households
In the first phase of expansion, around 200 properties – or approximately 500 households – will be connected to the new natural heat network. In the long term, the supply can be expanded to cover up to 800 properties. The overall project will be implemented in stages over a period of around five years.
The focus of the first three years will be on expanding the natural heat supply and installing a photovoltaic system. Subsequently, the biomass cogeneration plant will be expanded to include combined heat and power generation, enabling the provision of additional regionally generated green electricity.
In the first phase of expansion, the plant will have a thermal output of around 9,500 kilowatts and an electrical output of approximately 500 kilowatts. Through the combined production of heat and electricity using regional renewable energy sources, around 5,700 tonnes of CO2 can be saved annually in future.
Contribution to climate protection and security of supply
Another important aspect of the project is the production of biochar. This actively removes a further 900 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere each year. The biochar produced can be used, amongst other things, for soil improvement in agriculture, thereby making a further contribution to the sustainable use of natural resources.
“Today’s ground-breaking ceremony marks a significant milestone for Gallneukirchen’s sustainable energy future. This project impressively demonstrates how the energy transition can succeed at a local level – through the use of regional resources, high technical expertise and a clear focus on security of supply, climate protection and sustainability. We are delighted to be embarking on this journey together with the town of Gallneukirchen and to commission the new biomass cogeneration plant in autumn 2026,” said LINZ AG Managing Director Erich Haider, MBA.
A #brilliant project that combines regional renewable energy, modern technology and active climate protection, whilst at the same time strengthening long-term security of supply for the local community.
