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Erneuerbare-Energie-Gemeinschaft Vorau
12 members. Established in 2024
A business plan to…
Establish an innovative multi-asset energy community in Vorau (Austria) that integrates existing renewable infrastructure (1.5 MW CHP, 100 kWp PV, 10 MW wind park) with new assets (500 kWp PV expansion, 500 kWh battery storage) during a critical grid transition from dual to single substation. The plan develops post-subsidy business models for renewable assets losing feed-in tariff support, creates dynamic pricing and solidarity tariffs for socially equitable energy access, and builds a scalable framework for community-owned energy trading. Starting with 10 founding members representing 60% of local electricity consumption, the plan targets 50 members in year one and 200+ by year three, while addressing energy poverty affecting 15% of local households and serving as a replication model for rural communities across Austria and Europe.
"Our energy community faces a unique challenge: managing the transition from two substations to one while integrating post-subsidy renewable assets. The ENERCOM grant enables us to develop a business plan that turns this infrastructure shift into an opportunity – creating Austria's first energy community model for grid transition with dynamic tariffs ensuring no household is left behind."
Alois Kraussler - Treasurer
Impact in the community
The energy community generates environmental, social, and economic benefits: 2,500,000 kWh/year renewable energy production, 300,000 kWh/year energy savings, and 1,100 tons/year CO2 reduction. A solidarity tariff system and energy poverty alleviation fund support vulnerable households. 100% of economic surpluses are reinvested – 50% in infrastructure, 30% in social benefits, and 20% in innovation. The project strengthens local value chains, reduces energy costs for SMEs, and creates a replicable model for ural energy transition across Europe.