15.10.2026

FOKUS: Future of Energy appeared in DER STANDARD today.

In it, Wolfgang Neuhofer from EWS discusses ‘The energy transition at a local level and how Austria’s regions are shaping the country’s energy future’.

Conclusion of this issue: Austria’s energy future is no longer an abstract question about the future, but a concrete task to be shaped – for business, politics, research and society.

This issue of Future of Energy highlights key perspectives on Austria’s energy future – from security of supply, renewable energies and smart grids to electromobility, digitalisation and system flexibility.

On the cover: Patricia Neumann, CEO of Siemens AG Austria, offering insights into smart grids and greater intelligence for the grid. In an interview with her: how existing capacities can be better utilised and more decentralised generators integrated – and why a European approach to the energy system is crucial. The editorial by Michael Baminger, President of Österreichs Energie, makes it clear: when it comes to energy, everything is at stake now. Plans must be turned into concrete projects – security of supply, expansion and a systems-based approach go hand in hand. Contributors include: Michael Strugl – VERBUND, Andreas Matthä – ÖBB, Thomas Sobottka – Fraunhofer Austria, Hitachi Energy, Bosch, Burgenland Energie, EWS and others.

The EWS article focuses on the role the regions play in Austria’s future energy supply. Here is a summary of the key points.

The energy transition is taking place in the regions: Decentralised renewable energy strengthens security of supply, reduces costs and creates regional value and jobs.
Leveraging Austrian know-how: EWS has been championing renewable energy projects for over 32 years and brings extensive experience and interdisciplinary expertise to the table.
Building acceptance through dialogue: Transparent communication, early-stage discussions and the involvement of local communities and the public are crucial for successful projects.
Renewables as a locational advantage: A secure, predictable and affordable energy supply strengthens businesses, safeguards jobs and promotes regional prosperity.
Enabling local authorities to benefit economically: Local authority agreements and citizens make it possible to keep value creation directly within the region.
Agri-PV enables dual land use: With EWS Sonnenfeld®, 80 per cent of the land continues to be used for agriculture, 18 per cent is dedicated to biodiversity and only 2 per cent is used for solar power generation.
Securing the future of agriculture: Additional lease income provides financial security. The PV modules can also protect crops from heat, wind and hail.
Combining wind, solar and storage: Hybrid farms compensate for seasonal fluctuations in generation, utilise grids more efficiently and contribute to a more stable electricity system.
Holistic planning saves time and money: Joint planning of generation, grids and storage reduces investment and operating costs and improves overall efficiency.
Creating the right framework for faster expansion: Clear, predictable targets and efficient approval procedures are crucial to ensuring that technically and economically viable energy projects are implemented more quickly.

Click here for the e-paper. Read the full EWS article on page 18.

Wolfgang Neuhofer is the managing director of EWS

The EWS Sonnenfeld® stands out thanks to its multi-purpose use of land, offering high land-use efficiency without soil sealing.

3 co-located BESS Container, Nickelsdorf I

Hybrid energy parks comprising wind power and agri-photovoltaics, combined with storage facilities, provide us with affordable and reliable renewable energy all year round.