Renewable energy community in Kirchdorf: Together for change!

Renewable energy community in Kirchdorf: Together for change!

In the Kirchdorf region, a new action alliance for a sustainable energy transition has been formed with the founding of the “Renewable Energy Community Kremstal UW Kirchdorf”. This community consists of seven committed members from Inzersdorf and Schlierbach and aims to actively involve the local population in the energy transition. The motto “Getting everyone in the region involved in the energy transition” illustrates the inclusive approach of this initiative. Without an admission fee or ongoing membership fee, those interested can join the community and contribute to the transformation towards renewable energies, as tips.at reports.

The new community also cooperates with the existing “Renewable Energy Community Kremstal”, which was formerly known as EEG Wartberg an der Krems. This collaboration is being strengthened, among other things, by a joint project at the Kremsmünster substation. Two information events are planned to inform the regional population about the goals and possibilities of the energy transition. The first will take place on Wednesday, June 25th, at 8 p.m. in the Dorfstubn Inzersdorf, the second on Tuesday, July 1st, at 7 p.m. in the Gasthaus Schröcker in Schlierbach.

Financial benefits for communities

Participation in a renewable energy community (EEG) not only brings with it an active participation in the energy transition, but also financial incentives. Members can benefit from the relief of the renewable energy funding contribution, the exemption from the electricity tax and the reduction in network fees. These regulations apply to electricity from renewable sources, with various reductions being offered depending on the type of connection, as energiegemeinschaften.gv.at explains. Particularly noteworthy is the reduction in labor prices for network usage fees by up to 64% for certain network levels, which significantly reduces the financial burden for members.

However, the challenges that still exist with regard to energy flexibility and the management of power demand remain. The existing EEG structure currently offers little incentive to improve these aspects. In addition, participation in an EEG requires the use of smart meters, which are central elements for monitoring and optimizing energy flows. The data read out by network operators currently enables post-processing of the energy flows, while real-time data is only available via specific interfaces, as tga.at discusses.

In order to advance the progress of the energy transition, it is essential to expand access to real-time data and implement technical solutions to optimize energy flows. The Kremstal UW Kirchdorf Renewable Energy Community therefore represents an important step towards a sustainable energy future in which every part of the community can make its contribution.

Further information about the community and the events can be found on the Renewable Energy Community Kremstal website: eeg-kremstal.info.