A group of motivated individuals has been inspired to create an energy park in 1995. Since then they have been actively involved in projects in the field of renewable energy, climate and environmental protection, as well as regional development. With the motto “from the region, for the region” the project leader’s intention is to stay connected to the area. They are focusing on raising awareness, especially with children and young people, for regional development and support for the local communities.

The ETIA14 group started their excursion with a visit to the energy park’s wind farm. Located about an hour outside of Vienna, Bruck an der Leitha is a flat and windy region, which are perfect conditions for a wind farm. At what initially seems to be nothing more than a simple farm field, multiple wind turbines are towering at 60 and 135 meters. Following an introduction where the students received insights into the history, financial and technical aspects of the wind park and its respective turbines, they had the opportunity for an up close and personal look at the clean energy constructs. Students climbed the winding staircase onto the viewing platform of a 60-meter-high wind turbine, providing not only more insight and perspective as well as a closer look at the turbines’ rotor blades, but also a unique view and photo opportunity.

The second stop of the excursion was at the biogas plant of Bruck/Leitha. It has been operational since 2004 and was converted in 2014 to produce biomethane gas. Students learned about the extensive process of fermenting food and waste products from the food industry to produce biogas, converted by various scientific methods involving heat and power. The biogas is fed into the gas grid to create electricity and heat. The biproducts of fermentation are used for fertilization in the agricultural industry. When asked what his favorite waste was, the tour guide answered: “Cooking oil, because it produces the most energy.”

Further Information:www.etia.at, opens an external URL in a new window