Vienna Airport Partners with Raiffeisen Banks to Launch Renewable Energy Community

Vienna International Airport and Raiffeisen Banks of Vienna and Lower Austria have formed a collaborative energy initiative, creating a regional renewable energy community aimed at advancing sustainable power usage. This partnership leverages the airport's extensive photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure to supply green electricity to participating bank branches across the region.

The airport's solar power facilities generate approximately 45 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. While a substantial portion of this output is consumed on-site to support airport operations, periods of optimal weather conditions lead to surplus energy production. This excess electricity is now being distributed to Raiffeisen bank branches, ensuring a reliable, locally sourced supply of renewable energy for both entities.

To accommodate increasing energy demands and further support sustainable operations, Vienna Airport is expanding its photovoltaic capacity with the construction of an additional PV installation near its parking facility. Currently, the airport's existing solar infrastructure supplies nearly half of its total electricity requirements, with planned expansions expected to increase this proportion.

The establishment of the regional energy community aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions and foster value-adding partnerships between local organizations. By forming this cooperative, both the airport and the banking network are reinforcing their commitment to environmental responsibility and regional development.

The newly established energy cooperative, named the Renewable Citizen Energy Community Raiffeisen & Airport BEG eGen, is designed to facilitate the regional transition to renewable energy sources. The model provides a framework for efficient, transparent distribution of surplus green electricity, allowing member organizations to benefit from increased energy security and cost savings while reducing their carbon footprint.

Within this initiative, 38 out of 41 Raiffeisen bank branches in the St. Pölten region are participating, gaining access to the airport's renewable energy surplus. This approach not only promotes efficient energy use but also encourages other regional organizations to consider similar cooperative solutions for sustainable development.

The partnership demonstrates how regional stakeholders can collaborate to harness local renewable energy resources, improve energy efficiency, and support climate objectives. By utilizing the airport's PV surplus, the banks are able to lower operational costs and enhance their sustainability profiles, while the airport benefits from a stable, local partner for its excess power.

This renewable energy community serves as a practical model for other businesses and institutions seeking to transition toward greener operations. It highlights the potential of collaborative energy sharing to drive regional sustainability and serve as a benchmark for future public-private energy initiatives across Austria and beyond.