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Nature on the rise - dialogue on wind energy, nature conservation and spatial planning
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Nature on the rise - dialogue on wind energy, nature conservation and spatial planning

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Co-operation event of IG Windkraft and BOKU University

Organiser: IG Windkraft & BOKU University

Date: 28 April 2026, 9:00 - 17:45

Location: Festsaal der BOKU (Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1180 Wien)

Participation is free of charge. The number of participants is limited to 100 people, so we recommend registering as soon as possible

Programme

Moderation: Dipl.-Ing. Lucas Brandtweiner BSc

09:00 - 09:30 Admission

09:30 - 10:00 Opening - Dipl.- Ing.Ing. Josef Plank (IGW and BOKU) & Prof. Dr Dipl.-Ing. Gernot Stöglehner (BOKU) 

10:00 - 11:30 am: Block 1

Policy, spatial and landscape planning  

  • Transformation of the energy system -What works and where do we need to go? Prof. Dr Dipl.-Ing. Tobias Pröll (BOKU)
  • Wind energy in the headwind, challenges of spatial planning. Prof. Dr Dipl.-Ing. Gernot Stöglehner
  • Spatial and landscape planning. Dipl.-Ing. Stephan Parrer (TB Parrer) 

Discussion 

Coffee break 11:30 - 11:45 

11:45 - 13:15: Block 2

Wind in the forest 

  • Wind turbines in the forest: What needs to be considered when choosing a site? Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. DDr.h.c. Hubert Hasenauern (2018 to 2022 Rector of BOKU University)
  • Why ÖBf is implementing wind in the forest. Dr Dipl.-Ing. Robert Nusser (ÖBf)
  • Wind in the forest - between emotion, conflict and reality. Prof. Dr Anne Kress
  • Safety aspects of wind turbines in the forest. Dr Markus Drapalik (BOKU) 

Discussion (20min) 

Lunch break 13:15 - 14:15 

14:15 - 15:45: Block 3

Bird conservation 

  • Birds and wind power. Christiane Steinbacher BSc MSc (EWS)
  • Bird conservation and wind power. Johannes Hohenegger (BirdLife)
  • Bird protection measures in practice. Michael Plank BSc MSc MSc (TB Plank) 

Discussion (30min) 

Break 15:45 - 16:00 

16:00 - 17:30: Block 4

Nature conservation measures in wind power development 

  • Title to follow. Assoc. Prof. Dr Dipl.-Ing. Alexandra Jiricka-Pürrer (BOKU)
  • Best practice on accompanying nature conservation measures. Dipl.-Ing. Sandra Storm BSc. (ÖBf)
  • Klima- und Biodiversitätsziele zusammen denken: Die Rolle der strategischen Naturschutzplanung im Windkraftausbau. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dipl.-Ing. Rafaela Schinegger (BOKU)
  • Compensation measures explained using a case study (content: black stork pond in the Weinviertel region). Dipl.-Ing. Theres Rust BSc (EVN) 

Discussion (20min) 

Conclusion and summary, 17:30 - 17:45  - Florian Maringer (IGW) & Prof. Dr. Dipl.-Ing. Gernot Stöglehner (BOKU) 

Scientists, practitioners and international experts will present the latest findings from their disciplines and then discuss them with the audience. The aim of the event is to promote a constructive dialogue between the wind power industry, science, nature conservation organisations, political decision-makers and other stakeholders and to provide a platform for the exchange of current research results, practical experience and political developments.