a model for other european regions - ec.europa.eu · 3 burgenland lies in the east of austria, and...

erDf – promotion of renewable energy sources in burgenlanda model for other european regions

EN

1. Description of the location – burgenlanD .......................................................................3

2. summary: burgenlanD, renewable energy sources anD eu financial support ......................................................................................................................................................5

3. project Description ...........................................................................................................................7

1) Biomass: From remote heating systems to a biomass energy cluster in Southern Burgenland .........................................................................................................................................................................7

2) Moving into photovoltaic ..........................................................................................................................................9

3) Using wind power on the Parndorfer Platte (Plain) .................................................................................. 11

4) Support for education and training at the Burgenland College of Higher Education in Pinkafeld and the Centre for Renewable Energy in Güssing ............................................................... 12

4. strategic consiDerations ..................................................................................................... 14

5. role of the erDf in strategic implementation .......................................................... 16

6. transferability to other regions of europe: creation of a 'burgenlanD' cluster in slovenia? ................................................................................... 17

7. why is all of this so relevant to the current Debate about the future of european cohesion policy? ................................................................. 18

0. contents

Manuscript completed in October 2009.© European Union, 2009Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.

DOI: 10.2776/16235

Photos: © ECEditor: Raphaël Goulet, European Commission Directorate-General for Regional Policy.This brochure is printed in English and German.The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

3

Burgenland lies in the east of Austria, and has borders with the Slovak Republic to the north-east, Hungary to the east and Slovenia in the south-east. Burgenland's area of 3 965 km² makes it the third-smallest Land in the Austrian federation, but in terms of population (2006: 280 082) it is the smallest Land. Its north-south elongation (160 km) on the one hand and the consequences of the re-drawing of borders after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire and the associated loss of functional markets, particularly the loss of all developed urban centres, have had a serious impact on the development of the region.

In 1921, Burgenland was separated from the former Western Hungary, and became the ninth Land of the Austrian federation. The former regional urban centres such as Sopron (pop. 60 000) or Szombathely (pop. 80 000) remained in Hungary. Even today, Burgenland is predominantly made up of small towns and villages, with the regional capital of Eisenstadt with its population of 12 366 (2006) having the highest population. Topographically, Burgenland is largely in the periphery of the Hungarian lowlands.

While Northern Burgenland, particularly the area around Eisenstadt and Mattersburg can be considered central in terms of accessibility from the federal capital Vienna and attractiveness as a location, most of Central and Southern Burgenland can be classified as extremely peripheral.

During the 1920s, the region developed culturally, economically and with regard to transport facilities (mainly East-West routes) around the urban centres of the time: Sopron, Szombathely and Köszeg or towards Vienna. Only in the early 1960s was there any steady expansion of the transport infrastructure within the region, reflecting the new geopolitical circumstances.

Due to the opening of the borders to neighbouring countries in the early 1990s, and their EU accession, the geopolitical situation of Burgenland has recently changed once more. Now the Land is part of the 'CENTROPE' region (with Vienna, Bratislava, Györ and Brno as its urban centres), the Future Region South-East (Carinthia, Styria, Burgenland, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy) as well as the EuRegio West/Nyugat Pannonia (Burgenland, Györ-Moson-Sopron, Zala and Vas).

The peripheral situation and the lack of urban amenities made Burgenland a classic emigration region for decades. For years, Burgenland had negative population growth. Population statistics lagged well behind the comparative statistics for Austria up until the 1980s. Only in the late 1980s was there a catching-up process, which

was mainly perceptible in Northern Burgenland. Other parts of the region developed in a rather lacklustre fashion, and the population was stagnant or in decline. Compared with 1991, the 2001 census reported a 2.5% population increase for the Land as a whole, which is below the comparative figure for Austria. The positive population growth in the last two decades is attributable to net immigration. The population balance is still negative and Burgenland still has one of the lowest fertility rates in Austria.

Despite the economic catching-up process, which has picked up speed in the last ten years, Burgenland is still the least economically developed Land in Austria. The situation is exacerbated by a pronounced North-South divide.

The economic strength of Burgenland – measured in gross regional product per capita – is well below the Austrian average and comparative values for Europe. In 2002, the Land as a whole only reached 82% of the European average level, and this was subject to pronounced regional disparities. Northern Burgenland almost reached the European average (EU-25), while other areas of the region lagged well behind. In the national comparison, the whole Land was among the stragglers, only achieving 67% of national levels.

Radical structural change began to occur as Burgenland's economy grew during the mid-1990s, not least as a result of the implementation of the Objective 1 programme. Nevertheless, the regional economic infrastructure differs greatly from that of any other Land in Austria.

The technology offensive in Burgenland, and the associated establishment of technology centres laid the foundations for future development in forward-looking fields of the secondary sector of the economy, or in service industries (regional strengths). This kind of forward-looking sector, which the technology centres are expected to address, includes:

wind power, controls, materials, logistics, biotechnology in Northern •Burgenland;green technologies in Central Burgenland;•energy and green technologies (Güssing), optoelectronics •(Jennersdorf ).

1. Description of the location – burgenland

Oberwart

Neusiedl

Güssing

Oberpullendorf

Jennersdorf

Mattersburg

Eisenstadt

Vas

Zala

Veszprém

Trnav

sky

Györ-Moson-Sopron

Bratislavsky

Weiz

Hartberg

Neunkirchen

Wr. Neustadt-Land

Baden

Gänserndorf

St. Pölten-Land

Feldbach

Mödling

Wr. Neustadt-Land

Radkersburg

Bruck an der Leitha

Fürstenfeld

Wien-Umgebung

Wien-Umgebung

Wr.Neustadt-

Stadt

Sopron

Csorna

Kapuvår

Påpa

Ajka

Malacky

Sárvár

Zalaegerszeg

Senec

Vasvár

Keszthely

Mosonmagyarovår

Szombathely

Pezinok

Sümeg

Celldömölk

Körmend

KöszegCsepreg

Öriszentpéter

ZalaszentgrotSzentgotthárd

BratislavaV

BratislavaII

BratislavaIV Bratislava III

Bratislava I

Illmitz

Apetlon

Tobaj

Gols

Andau

Parndorf

Halbturn

Jois

Nikitsch

Zurndorf

Nickelsdorf

Tadten

Rechnitz

Kukmirn

Lockenhaus

Pama

Rust

Eberau

Bernstein

Pilgersdorf

Strem

Hornstein

Marz

Oslip

Draßmarkt

Mönchhof

Neusiedlam See

Oberschützen

Pamhagen

Kohfidisch

Pinkafeld

Stoob Großwarasdorf

Kittsee

Stadt-schlaining

Bruckneudorf

MarktAllhau

Ritzing

Wiesen

Kobersdorf

Steinberg-Dörfl

Heiligenbrunn

Deutsch-kreutz

Gattendorf

Bildein

Kemeten

Eltendorf

Pöttsching

Frauenkirchen

Donnerskirchen

Podersdorf am See

Wolfau

Mischendorf

Siegendorf

Wiesfleck

Unterwart Großpetersdorf

Neckenmarkt

Weiden am See

Markt St. Martin

Breitenbrunn

Oggau

Mariasdorf

Weidenbei Rechnitz

Ruders-dorf

Weppersdorf

St. Martinan der Raab

Unterkohl-stätten

Neutal

Olbendorf

Horitschon

Raiding

Rauchwart

Purbach

Schachendorf

MörbischSigleß

Zillingtal

Stotzing

Sieggraben

PiringsdorfLutzmanns-

burg

DeutschJahrndorf

Lackenbach

Wallern

AntauSt. Andrä

am Zicksee

Königsdorf

Steinbrunn

Stegersbach

Hannersdorf

Stinatz

Mannersdorf an der Rabnitz

Güttenbach

Gerersdorf-Sulz

Litzelsdorf

MarktNeuhodis

Riedlings-dorf

Müllendorf

Forchtenstein

Großhöflein

Jabing

DeutschKalten-brunn

Lackendorf

Frankenau-Unterpullendorf

Minihof-Liebau

Kaisersdorf

Schan-dorf

Leithaprodersdorf

Neudörfl

Neudorfbei Parndorf

Draßburg

Moschendorf

Bocksdorf

DeutschSchützen-Eisenberg

Schützenam Gebirge

Schattendorf

Potzneusiedl

Heiligenkreuzim Lafnitztal

Oberloisdorf

St. Margarethenim Burgenland

Winden am See

Krensdorf

Badersdorf

Weingraben

Neuhausam

Klausenbach

Loipersdorf-Kitzladen

Neuberg

Edelstal

Rotenturman der Pinka

St. Michael

Inzen-hof

Wulka-prodersdorf

Unter-frauen-

haid

ZagersdorfZemendorf-

Stöttera

Trausdorfan der Wulka

Hirm

Grafen-schachen

BadTatzmannsdorf

Rohrbach

Heugraben

Neustiftbei

Güssing

Baumgarten

Groß-mürbisch

Unterrabnitz-Schwendgraben

Mühlgraben

Burgau-berg-

Neudauberg

Wörter-berg

Rohr

Klingenbach

Oberdorf

Ollersdorf

Loretto

Hacker-berg

Wimpassingan der Leitha

Kleinmürbisch

Loipersbach

Neufeldan der Leitha

Neustiftan derLafnitz

BadSauerbrunn

Tschanigraben

MogersdorfWeichselbaum

Pöttelsdorf

Wien

Alland

Ternitz

Gutenstein

Lassee

Rettenegg

Pinggau

Ramsau

Himberg

Hainfeld

Pressbaum

Warth

Groß-Enzersdorf

Eckartsau

Hernstein

Marchegg

Zöbern

Krumbach

Muggendorf

Kaumberg

Baden

Wienerwald

Waldegg

Schwechat

Engelhartstetten

Neulengbach

Wiesmath

Pottendorf

Aspangberg - St. Peter

Sommerein

EbreichsdorfBad Vöslau

Stössing

Bromberg

Gaaden

Furth an der TriestingPottenstein

Prellenkirchen

Miesenbach

Kapelln

Haringsee

Gablitz

Edlitz

Trumau

Wolfsthal

Scharndorf

PittenPrigglitz

Hohe Wand

Fischamend

KlosterneuburgTulbing

Würflach

Mödling

Ilz

Fehring

Sieghartskirchen

Wenigzell

Wiener Neustadt

Reichenau an der Rax

Schäffern

Lichtenegg

Höflein

Puchberg am Schneeberg

Kleinzell

Pöllauberg

Hartl

Ilztal

Altlengbach

Mönichwald

Gnas

Stubenberg

Rohrau

Burgau

Paldau

Friedberg

Rohr im Gebirge

Spital am Semmering

Würmla

Riegersburg

Purkersdorf

Trattenbach

Klausen - Leopoldsdorf

Sinabelkirchen

Asperhofen

Hartberg

Ebenfurth

Kapfenstein

Pernitz

Traiskirchen

Söchau

Altenmarkt an der Triesting

Lafnitz

Hatzendorf

Kirchberg am Wechsel

Greinbach

Böheimkirchen

Brand - Laaben

Hollenthon

Heiligenkreuz

Vornholz

Eichberg

Gloggnitz

Berndorf

Lanzenkirchen

Stambach

Riegersberg

Bad Waltersdorf

Eggendorf

Berg

Sonnhofen

St.Lorenzen am Wechsel

Thomasberg

Waldbach

Achau

Mauerbach

Lichtenwörth

Orth an der Donau

Ebersdorf

Schwarzau im Gebirge

Seibersdorf

Eichkögl

Tullnerbach

Kirchschlag in der Buckligen Welt

Kaindorf

Breitenstein

Payerbach

NeunkirchenBürg-Vöstenhof

Zillingdorf

Straden

Reisenberg

Puchegg

Hinterbrühl

Untersiebenbrunn

Münchendorf

Unterlamm

Moosbrunn

Kirchstetten

Hartberg Umgebung

Hainersdorf

Sebersdorf

Raasdorf

Katzelsdorf

Dechantskirchen

Großsteinbach

Erlach

Tattendorf

Bad Blumau in Steiermark

Rabenwald

Stein

Hochwolkersdorf

Schwarzenbach

Übersbach

Waidmannsfeld

Wolfsgraben

Markt HartmannsdorfGroßwilfersdorf

Breitenfurt bei Wien

Fürstenfeld

Schönegg bei Pöllau

Ebergassing

Hochneukirchen - Gschaidt

Neudau

Markt Piesting

Wartmannstetten

Walpersbach

Obersiebenbrunn

Scheiblingkirchen - Thernberg

Sollenau

Bruck an der Leitha

St.Anna am Aigen

Maria-Anzbach

Trautmannsdorf an der Leitha

Enzersdorf an der Fischa

Blaindorf

Großhart

Hundsheim

Auersbach

Raning

Haslau - Maria Ellend

Feistritz am Wechsel

Petronell - Carnuntum

Schottwien

Mönichkirchen

Michelhausen

Hof am Leithaberge

St. Egyden am Steinfeld

Göttlesbrunn - Arbesthal

Guntramsdorf

Kaltenleutgeben

Hainburg an der Donau

Schwadorf

Grafendorf bei Hartberg

Grimmenstein

Leopoldsdorf im Marchfelde

Leobersdorf

St.Johann in der Haide

Sooß

Vösendorf

Götzendorf an der Leitha

Bad Fischau - Brunn

Bad Schönau

Pertlstein

Laxenburg

Breitenau

Merkendorf

Maierdorf

Mannersdorf am Leithagebirge

Poppendorf

Ratten

Schachen bei Vorau

Rohr bei Hartberg

Rauchenwarth

Lödersdorf

Buch-Geiseldorf

Glinzendorf

Kottingbrunn

Kohlberg

Au am Leithaberge

Perchtoldsdorf

Enzenreith

Parbasdorf

Oberwaltersdorf

Teesdorf

Theresienfeld

Aderklaa

Strallegg

Altenmarkt b.Fürstenfeld

Vorau

Gossendorf

Altendorf

Mühldorf bei Feldbach

Gersdorf an der Feistritz

Eichgraben

Bad Gleichenberg

Semmering

Schrattenbach

Stainz bei Straden

Pöllau

Nestelbach im Ilztal

Willendorf

Matzendorf - Hölles

Seebenstein

Markgrafneusiedl

Ganz

Otterthal

Oberstorcha

Loipersdorf b.Fürstenfeld

Oberrettenbach

Krusdorf

Tieschen

Pfaffstätten

Hohenbrugg-Weinberg

Gniebing-Weißenbach

Enzesfeld - Lindabrunn

Edelsbach bei Feldbach

Neustift - Innermanzing

Jagerberg

Zwölfaxing

Perlsdorf

Dienersdorf

Ottendorf a.d.Rittschein

Großhofen

Wöllersdorf - Steinabrückl

Raach am Hochgebirge

Winzendorf - Muthmannsdorf

Frutten-Gießelsdorf

Grafenbach - St. Valentin

Günselsdorf

Bad Deutsch-Altenburg

Schlag bei Thalberg

Wörth an der Lafnitz

Weissenbach an der Triesting

Leopoldsdorf

Grabersdorf

Biedermannsdorf

Pyhra

Andlersdorf

Hirnsdorf

Trössing

Laab im Walde

Breitenfeld an der Rittschein

Gumpoldskirchen

Judenau - Baumgarten

Hennersdorf

Johnsdorf-Brunn

Mitterndorf an der Fischa

Gramatneusiedl

Mannsdorf an der Donau

Natschbach - Loipersbach

Schwarzau am Steinfeld

Lanzendorf

Rohrbach an der Gölsen

Bairisch Kölldorf

Kaibing

Aspang-Markt

Limbach bei Neudau

St. Corona am Wechsel

Tiefenbach bei Kaindorf

Feldbach

Höflein an der Hohen Wand

Buchbach

St. Andrä - WördernWeiden an der March

Studenzen

Herzogenburg

Deutsch-Wagram

Hirtenberg

Gerasdorf bei Wien

Preßguts

Sopron

Csorna

Ivån

Jåk

Rajka

Kapuvår

Jånossomorja

Kåld

Sårvår

Rezi

Sümeg

Vasv

år

Fertöd

Lébény

Köszeg

Vép

Sarrod

Türje

Szil

Csepreg

Zalaegerszeg

Ölbö

Zala

lövö

Våt

Påli

Körmend

Samorin

Ujkér

Osli

Stupava

Bük

SALOVCI

Nåd

asd

Sitke

Ujronafö

Iker

vår

Beled

Påpoc

KenyeriBö

Szany

Faråd

Levél

Senec

Celld

ömölk

Kimle

Halåszi

Mosonszolnok

Kony

Hegyeshalom

Szalafö

Zsira

Csa

pod

Jåkfa

Kåm

Ivånc

Bozsok

Dunakiliti

Rum

Csönge Vönöck

Nick

Zalaszånto

Babot

Bucsu

Rönö

k

Bögöte

Vårbalog

Bezenye

Lövö

Nårai

Vållus

GRAD

Ågfa

lva

Vitn

yéd

Kerta

Våg

Dör

Bogyoszlo

Szöce

Bazsi

Jånoshåza

Himod

Küls

övat

KUZMA

Nagycenk

Egyed

Sotony

Hegykö

Szentpéterfa

Köcsk

Tömörd

Vårvölgy

Tilaj

Gor

Gérce

Bagod

Mihålyi

Dunasziget

Duk

a

Magyargencs

Acsåd

Ohid

Kondorfa

Fertöråkos

GORNJI PETROVCI

Kamond

TomasovIszkåz

Harka

HO

DO

S

Pezinok

Pereszteg

Boba

Ciråk

Olaszfa

Györvår Nagytilaj

NardaCsögle

Gösfa

Fertöszéplak

Pakod

Sobor

Salo

mvå

r

KisfaludHövej

Csöde

Fertöszentmiklos

Bösårkåny

Nyögér

Csehi

Baty

k

Szel

este

Bérbaltavår

Uraiujfalu

Gencsapåti

Råtot

Gyoro

Böde

Und

Kara

ko

Felsöszö

lnök

Hidegség

Råbakecöl

Kemenesm

agasi

Mezölak

Bajånsenye

Beze

réd

Råbapaty

Tüskevår

Nyåråd

Keménfa

Råb

ahid

vég

Fels

ömar

åc

Perenye

Zalaerdöd

Csip

kere

k

Szakony

Pornoapåti

Hegyfalu

Mes

teri

Edve

Cakany

Mihålyfa

Velem

Kalinkovo

Bac

Nag

yråk

os

Fehérto

Katafa

Vinår

Acsalag

Békås

Kisbucsa

Velky Biel

Héviz

Szombathely

Zalaszentgrot

Mosonmagyarovår

Szentgotthård

Svaty Jur

Ukk

Csabrendek

Oszko

Söpte

Öriszentpéter

Pecöl

Ostffyasszonyfa

Dénesfa

Bejcgyertyånos

Bernolakovo

Råbapordåny

Gersekaråt

Vaspör

Nagykapornak

Csénye

Pusztacsalåd

Borinka

Nemesszalok

Alsoujlak

Sopronkövesd

Nagylozs

Zalacsåny

Bratislava - Ruzinov

Dabrony

Dabronc

ROGASOVCI

Sopronhorpåcs

RådockölkedHosszupereszteg

Egervår

Sé

Keléd

Egyhåzasfalu

Egyhåzasrådoc

Szårföld

Dunajska Luzna

Bratislava - Nove Mesto

Torony

Gogånfa

Råbatamåsi

Sorkifalud

Keszthely

Fertöendréd

Måriakålnok

Kisunyom

Lesenceistvånd

Felsöcsatår

GasztonyCsåkånydoroszlo

Dozmat

Szergény

Agyagosszergény

Egeralja

Fertöboz

Meggyeskovåcsi

Kemeneshögyész

Csörötnek

Simasåg

Tanakajd

Nagysimonyi

Csånig

Vasegerszeg

Råbagyarmat

Röjtökmuzsaj

Kemenespålfa

Pokaszepetk

Barbacs

Påcsony

Bratislava - Petrzalka

Veszkény

Bratislava - Raca

Bratislava - Rusovce

Vasalja

Locs

Kemendollår

Peresznye

Hosztot

Kisråkos

Viszåk

Vassuråny

Posfa

Fertöhomok

Mersevåt

Vasszécseny

Zalaistvånd

Magyarkeresztur

Kemenesszentpéter

Zalaszentlåszlo

Vasszilvågy

Telekes

Mikosszéplak

Våsårosmiske

Tåplånszentkereszt

Mihålyhåza

Kåvås

Kemenesmihålyfa

PadårPankasz Karmacs

Szemenye

Bratislava - Jarovce

Meszlen

Vinicne

Zalabér

Lukåcshåza

Most pri Bratislave

Bratislava - Zahorska Bystrica

Janiky

Nemesböd

Vaskeresztes

Pinnye

Hotto

Vid

Kallosd

Szilsårkåny

Vårkeszö

Pethöhenye

Egervölgy

Nemesbük

Apåtistvånfalva

Kétvölgy Orfalu

Szakonyfalu

Olmod

Németfalu

Hamuliakovo

Zalagyömörö

Sorkikåpolna

Köszegpaty

Sümegcsehi

Kophåza

Balogunyom

Csehimindszent

Nemeskocs

Salköveskut

Misefa

Nagypirit

Kenéz

Zalacséb

Györsövényhåz

Råbacsanak

Pusztacso

Zalavég

Cåk

Sajtoskål

Megyer

Zalaszentgyörgy

Senkvice

Råbcakapi

Babosdöbréte

Völcsej

Andråsfa

Döbörhegy

Ispånk

Alsonemesapåti

Kemenessömjén

Répcelak

Örimagyarosd

Kiscsösz

Nemesapåti

Lakhegy

Sorokpolåny

Gyürüs

Halogy

Miloslavov

Milejszeg

Vlky

Egyhåzashetye

PUCONCI Szatta

Zalesie

Tårnokréti

Nagymizdo

KispåliAlibånfa

Gyöngyösfalu

Zalaszentivån

Bratislava - DevinTuren

Magloca

Ivanka pri Dunaji

Marcaltö

Zalahåshågy

Bratislava - Devinska Nova Ves

Bozzai

Vashosszufalu

Dötk

Uzsa

Egyhåzashollos

Nemeskér

Kisszölös

Sårfimizdo

Kispirit

Våmoscsalåd

RigåcsNagykölked

Kissomlyo

Tokorcs

Molnaszecsöd

Halasto

Pinkamindszent

Råbatöttös

Hetyefö

Csér

Szarvaskend

Borgåta

Szentimrefalva

Malinovo

Répcevis

Felsöpåhok

Bögöt

Horvåtzsidåny

Kerkafalva

Köszegszerdahely

Feketeerdö

Püspökmolnåri

Teskånd

Harasztifalu

Alsoszölnök Ozmånbük

Blatne

Råbasebes

Magyarszecsöd

Köszegdoroszlo

Hegyhåthodåsz

Påsztori

Porpåc

Nemescso

Jobahåza

Apåcatorna

Marcalgergelyi

Petömihålyfa

Slovensky Grob

Zsennye

Vasszentmihåly

Kiszsidåny

Almåshåza

Horvåtlövö

Vasasszonyfa

Somlovåsårhely

Orbånyosfa

Nemesrempehollos

Ligetfalva

ZalaboldogfaNagypåli

Veszprémgalsa

Kehidakuståny

Hegyhåtszentmårton

Cserszegtomaj

Kisgörbö

Szalapa

Nagykutas

Nemeskolta

Tompalådony

Magyarlak Kiskutas

Zalaszegvår

Döbröce

Vindornyaszölös

Nagygeresd

Csempeszkopåcs

Boncodfölde

Adorjånhåza

Kisberzseny

Nemeslådony

Zsédeny

Bratislava - Vrakuna

Zsebehåza

Petöhåza

Hagyårosbörönd

Csonkahegyhåt

Nagygörbö

Magyarnådalja

Gyenesdiås

Dobrohost

Hubice

Mierovo

Döröske

Püski

Sénye

Megyehid

Gyanogeregye

Károlyháza

Vindornyalak

Répceszemere

Bratislava - Karlova Ves

Tormåsliget

HegyhåtsålSümegpråga

Hegyhåtszentpéter

Kercaszomor

Nemesmedves

Sopronnémeti

Felsöjånosfa

Iklanberény

Cakohåza

Marianka

Vadosfa

Vindornyafok

Våsårosfalu

Nemeskeresztur

Kisvåsårhely

Dåka

Potyond

Csåfordjånosfa

Kemestarodfa

Mesterhåza

Szentgyörgyvår

Lozorno

Lesencetomaj

NemessåndorhåzaNemeshetés

Rohovce

Malomsok

Doba

Nyiråd

?ALOVCIGRAD

KUZMA HODO?

PUCONCI

U N G A R NU N G A R N

SLOWENIENSLOWENIEN

Stei

erm

ark

Stei

erm

ark

Nied

erös

terre

ich

Nied

erös

terre

ich

WienWienSLOWAKEISLOWAKEI

VerwaltungsgrenzenStaatsgrenzen

Bundesländer / Komitate / Regionen

Bezirksgrenzen

Gemeindegrenzen

Neusiedler See

Gemeindenamender Nachbarstaatenund Nachbarländer

ÊQuellen:GfK MACON, Waghäusel, DeutschlandBEV - Bundesamt für Eich- und Vermessungswesen

Gemeindenamen_erweitert.mxd, Version 1.07. August 2006

4

5

Burgenland is seeking long-term energy self-sufficiency through the exploitation of renewable energy. This should already be achieved in 2013 as regards electricity. The prospects for this look healthy. This is one of the key themes contained in the draft of Burgenland's development model 2006.

The topography and agricultural production conditions in Burgenland are highly favourable for the production of energy and bio-materials from renewable sources. The region has considerable production potential in agriculture and forestry.

Wind energy could make a substantial contribution to the target of achieving energy self-sufficiency in Burgenland. Up to the year 2005, 531 wind power systems were installed with total capacity of 818.9 MW. These wind farms will supply approximately 2.3% of total electricity consumption in Austria (incl. pumped storage) or electricity for approximately 470 000 households (15% of all Austrian households). With well over one-third of these facilities (206 facilities, 39%), Burgenland is the second-largest wind power generator behind Lower Austria. Burgenland's wind power plants have a capacity of about 45% of total Austrian wind power capacity (369.2 MW). However, Burgenland is only home to about 3% of Austria's population, and generates less than 2% of Austrian gross domestic product.

Furthermore, in the recent past, Burgenland was able to build up know-how – such as at the European Centre for Renewable Energy in Güssing, and participate in relevant research and development networks. The European Centre for Renewable Energy in Güssing (referred to in German as EEE) was set up in 1996. The EEE's services include energy management and consultancy, project management and training in the field of renewable energy sources. Research and Development in connection with pilot systems are also an important driver for the labour market and regional development. A substantial part of the work is carried out by regional, national and international co-operative projects. Besides the EEE, there are many different systems using renewable fuels (e.g. wood, rapeseed) and solar energy. The Güssing model is now recognised internationally as an energy or biomass centre. Starting out with wood as a raw material, goals such as regional development, job creation and research and development can all be achieved.

European regional funding has been used particularly effectively in the field of renewable energy in Burgenland, and in a highly interactive and innovative environment, was able to have a multiplier effect, which leveraged the total funding from the ERDF in the Burgenland energy sector despite a relatively low volume of funding (as shown in the table below).

Project visits and interviews with various persons in positions of responsibility convinced the authors of this study that the following success factors should be emphasised in this best practice study:

the contribution of resources from the structural funds at an early •stage in the development of renewable energy sources, such as wind power prototypes on the Parndorfer Platte, investment in the biomass power station in Güssing, including combined heat and power, polygeneration and industrial development or production of photovoltaic cells guarantee high leveraging of the resources employed;a sound, focused partnership between local, regional, national and •European authorities enables competitive investment advantages identified locally to be exploited efficiently;training initiatives by academic bodies and small businesses, such •as the solar installer training course in Güssing and environmental technology courses at the College of Higher Education in Pinkafeld provide the accelerated investment process with a continuous supply of human resources;a holistic approach is seeking complementary activities within •the promotion of renewable energy sources, such as promotion of training and research, expansion of ecotourism, industrial policy stimulus of SMEs and financial support for photovoltaic high-tech;readiness to co-operate by various stakeholder groups •(conservationists, businesses and energy producers around Lake Neusiedler) has been harnessed through timely coordination related to their interests and allows relatively conflict-free mobilisation of natural resources;an efficient, decentralised implementation strategy for the •exploitation of decentralised available energy resources uses existing local utility systems in sewage and waste disposal. In particular, this concerns the resources of biomass and sunlight (photovoltaic), where public financial support plays a decisive role in channelling local co-operation;

2. summary: burgenland, renewable energy sources and eu financial support

6

the continual development of practical applications together •with industrial partners, both in the field of biomass and photovoltaic, is giving a boost to local players, who are launching highly innovative projects outside of large cities and complex conurbations. In this regard, peripheral areas serve as a test laboratory for economic centres.

The objective of the study is to compile the strategic elements that have contributed to the sustainable expansion of use of renewable energy sources in Burgenland, and have been decisively boosted by actions under the European Cohesion Policy. The classification follows a guide written in June 2008 on behalf of the Regional Policy Directorate-General for case studies

of innovative projects. We wish particularly to acknowledge the contributions of our interview partners, Mayor of the town of Güssing Mr. Peter Vadasz, Dr. Günter Clauss of Austrian Wind Power GmbH, Prof. Dr. Arne Ragoßnig of the College of Higher Education in Pinkafeld, Mr. Johann Binder, Chairman of the Burgenland Energy Agency (BEA), Mr. Reinhard Koch, Manager of the European Centre for Renewable Energy, and Mrs. Katharina Kaitan, Manager of the ERDF Management Authority in Eisenstadt, for her active support in enabling the writing of this study.

Renewable eneRgy souRces, buRgenland (1995-99, 2000-06)

amounts in €

Aidprogramme Numberofprojects Eligiblecosts EU National

objective 1 1995-99 (erDf)

4 15 735 299 2 865 890 4 412 469

objective 1 2000-06 (erDf)

15 95 900 644 17 741 507 9 607 864

additionality 2000-06 (erDf)

20 43 214 981 0 11 861 321

interreg iia 10 674 439 222 164 241 937

interreg iiia 4 922 646 461 323 276 879

leaDer+ 10 1 954 736 892 045 250 292

objective 1 2000-06 (eaggf)

190 21 994 684 6 339 824 2 113 274

Total 253 180397429 28522753 28764038

7

The long-term strategy of achieving energy self-sufficiency in Burgenland based on renewable energy sources relies mainly on the four action areas of biomass, wind power, photovoltaic and related research which will be presented briefly below.

1) biomass: FRom Remote heating systems to a biomass eneRgy clusteR in southeRn buRgenland

The small town of Güssing in Southern Burgenland is known for its pioneering role in the use of residues from agriculture and forestry as well as timber processing for the production of energy from biomass.

This started in the mid-1990s when local politicians at the time identified the Objective 1 support from the ERDF as an ideal opportunity to plug the gaping whole in the funding of prototypes for remote heating from biomass at local level. The incentive for this

was the decline in the local agriculture, and the need to start up new activities for the region, in order to curtail emigration.

Meanwhile, Southern Burgenland has harnessed almost all the available technical options for converting biomass into energy in actual energy production, or at least mobilised the players to set up pilot applications. Wood residues are converted through incineration as well as with the assistance of Pyroforce into gas, and then converted into electricity using a gas engine. Sawdust as a waste product from local flooring factories or other wood processing firms was converted using biomass incineration into steam, and then via steam turbines into electricity. Logging waste is converted into gas via thermal gasification, and then via a gas engine or a fuel cell either into electricity or via methanisation into natural gas or the Fischer-Tropsch process into liquid fuel. Rapeseed oil and waste cooking oil are converted in the conventional way via ester interchange into fuel (see graphic).

3. project description

Heat/coldSun

Grass, maize,clover

Residual wood

MethanisationFT synthesis

Fuel cellGas engine

Steam turbine

Gas engine

Sawdust

Logging waste

Electricity

Natural gas

Fuels

Photovoltaic

Solar thermal

Biogas

Biomass incineration

Biomass gasi�cation

Biomass incineration

Incineration

Thermal gasi�cation

Resources Technologies Energy Forms

8

With ERDF resources and financing from state aid and local authority loan subsidies, the first remote heating system prototype was developed, and then another seven stages of scaling-up developed (the last of these in 2006).

With remote heating production, the building of the remote heating network in Güssing was carried out. Local residents then had the opportunity to connect to this distance heating network. About 98% of residents in the local authority area of Güssing took up this offer. A second heating plant was set up in 2002. Due to the growing demand for heat and new fuels (parquet flooring industry), it was necessary to install a second heating plant in Güssing.

So besides the agricultural co-operatives, the wood-processing industry was able to be brought into the resource procurement circuit.

But there was no intention to stop at producing heat: a whole series of pilot plants were set up for research purposes, first of all the biomass power station in Güssing, a type of power station enabling production of heat, electricity, gaseous and liquid energy in small, decentralised units. Energy is produced here by a completely new, technically mature combined heat and power system based on biomass gasification. In a special process, all residues of the process are recycled or prepared in order to avoid effluent and waste. Other systems are biodiesel, biogas and pyrothermal plants in Güssing.

More recently, since 2006, polygeneration, combined generation from several biomass sources has been operating in one plant. Thermal gasification is a key feature here. The aim of polygeneration is the development of an energy plant for regional demand (local authority area or a district of a town, etc.) which is able to produce heat, electricity, gaseous and/or liquid energy from various energy-rich organic raw or waste materials. How much of which type is produced depends on demand and the size of the region concerned. The product gas derived – unlike solid biomass – allows versatile use for production of heat and electricity as well as synthetic products such as synthetic natural gas or synthetic high-efficiency fuels.

The manufacture of liquid fuel through the thermal gasification of logging waste (waste wood or fast-growing species (short cycle)) creates an ideal mobile energy source, which can be stored like gas and does not require immediate consumption like electricity or heat, in order to be used optimally. In addition, unlike gas, it can be used simply to substitute the usual liquid fuels for existing means of transport. This energy source would enable transport components to be brought into the Burgenland energy concept relatively quickly, in a CO2-neutral way.

The energy value that can be extracted from biomass products increases as the technology advances. Nowadays, 5 kg of wood can produce about a litre of synthetic fuel (BioFIT - Diesel). A hectare of forest can produce an average of 1 500 litres of synthetic fuel and a hectare of arable land, which is planted with fast-growing crops can produce 4 000 litres of synthetic fuel per year.

Overall, the ERDF aid in Güssing is considerable for a target population of a maximum of 30 000 people. €33 million of funded project costs related to the biomass field alone. The ERDF aid is a pump-priming investment and is filling a funding gap.

The operational exploitation of the results achieved at the pilot plants in Güssing is of strategic importance. A biomass combined heat and power plant newly built in 2004 in Oberwart, where ERDF funds also contributed to increasing the efficiency, is based on crucial findings of the work in Güssing. Güssing can be regarded in the biomass field as a technological development centre for the whole surrounding area, and that includes Styria and adjacent regions in Hungary and Slovenia.

Project example i: 'energy oberwart'final beneficiary: Repotec - Renewable Power

Technologies Umwelttechnik Ges.M.b.H. http://www.repotec.increase/cms/index.php?id=1

project duration: 01.09.2004 – 28.02.2006

project description: increasing efficiency of the gasification plant

eu objective 1 (erDf) € 89 300

national funds € 19 403

private funds € 248 697

total project costs € 357 400

güssing – polygeneration pilot plant

9

The multiplier effect in the intangible area is certainly much greater, especially as one final beneficiary, the European Centre for Renewable Energy (EEE) in Southern Burgenland has long been an internationally-renowned research facility, which has carved out a key role in the European research community, particularly in the direct application of research results.

The investment in remote heating systems in the early 1990s has definitely been an important catalyst. Although it is now regarded by energy experts as a relatively inefficient use of biomass, because only a limited proportion of the energy from the biomass is used, it has nevertheless opened the way for use of biomass as part of energy policy, and made a decisive contribution to making effective use of this energy source a reality.

A constraint on the expansion of biomass is the availability of building land, as well as the competition that can be created between this kind of energy crop and growing food for human consumption. Those responsible for energy policy in Burgenland are aware of this, and this is why they pursed the expansion of solar energy.

2) moving into PhotovoltaicSince the late 1990s, people in Burgenland have been attempting to increase the presence of photovoltaic in their energy concept. At the European Centre for Renewable Energy (EEE) in Güssing, photovoltaic is developing into a second pillar of R&D activity.

The photovoltaic strategy in Burgenland consists of three main components:

1) Expansion of individual self-sufficiency through photovoltaic systems: installation of systems on private buildings will be incentivised. This can improve the individual energy-efficiency of buildings and cut the use of alternative fossil fuels. An additional requirement for training installers and advisers will be covered by the solar installer school in Güssing. This kind of policy not only has an effect on energy policy, but also encourages specialised SMEs

and small businesses in a promising sector worldwide to move into the area.

2) Decentralised supply of surplus energy from various households to the regional grid: the regional energy utility company, Burgenländischen Elektrizitätswerke (BEWAG) has been brought on board. Particularly if technical advances can boost the efficiency of roof panels, this creation of an efficiently functioning decentralised sales network could open up a very profitable line of business for BEWAG, particularly if it acts as a maintenance firm for solar and photovoltaic equipment as a diversified field of its business.

3) Location of research and production facilities for photovoltaic generation in joint ventures with global market leaders in this field:

In Germany, the world's largest photovoltaic market, according to the national association for renewable energy, Bundesverband Erneuerbarer Energy e.V. (BEE), photovoltaic contributed 4.3 billion kWh to German electricity generation in 2008, which was

up 40% on the previous year. The massive price incentives available in Germany for photovoltaic electricity are not, as such, part of the Austrian energy concept as this is too expensive. Indeed the cost of the German subsidy system can only be justified by addressing not only energy policy impact, but also the effects on industrial policy, since it allowed German firms to carve out a leading position in the global market, with a 'demand-pull' effect, which will not be available to the same extent to new market entrants.

Therefore, joint ventures are being offered to bring advanced technology to the region, and there are subsidies for individual installations, local authority grants are being stepped up, and the increased environmental awareness of the region's population and the many private roofs are considered the most appropriate means of boosting individual solar energy production.

european centre for renewable energy

10

Photovoltaic has not taken on an international leading role in Burgenland, as has been the case with biomass, but due to the enormous future potential, it is an essential component of a linked alternative energy strategy. The situation on the supply side has been accepted, and instead co-operation with German suppliers has been sought, rather than trying to champion local producers.

The location of a major production facility by Blue Chip Energy GmbH in Güssing is playing a key role in this strategy. Once again, considerable ERDF funds (€12 million) opened the 'door to the sun' and persuaded this highly innovative global solar cell manufacturer to set up business in Burgenland. This private company is bringing high-quality research and technical know-how to Southern Burgenland and setting up, in co-operation with the Pinkafeld College of Higher Education, the technical universities in Graz and Vienna, the solar installer college and the research department at the European Centre for Renewable Energy (EEE), a 'solar energy' cluster which can participate in technological progress in this energy sector of the future.

The production of 'Blue Chips', highly-effective monocrystalline solar cells at the Güssing site was launched in 2006 and now employs a highly skilled workforce of 140 people.

Project example ii: 'setting-up a production plant to manufacture solar cells'final beneficiary: Blue Chip Energy GmbH

http://www.bluechipenergy.at/


project description: setting up a production plant for highly efficient solar cells to generate electricity

eu objective 1 (erDf) € 12 100 000

national funds € 1 832 780

private funds € 32 509 820

total project costs € 46 442 600

This pilot project was visited by the former Commissioner in charge of Regional Policy, Danuta Hübner, as part of her visit to Burgenland in October 2008.

Like wind energy, photovoltaic has fluctuating output. The electricity produced can only be stored to a limited extent and the availability of wind and sunlight is dependent on the weather conditions and only offers limited reliability of supply. Energy recovery of biomass is therefore a classic component of the ideal mix of renewable energy sources, as this combustible energy source can be converted into gaseous or liquid form for easier storage.

regional president niessl and former commissioner hübner at blue chip energy in güssing during the commissioner's visit to burgenland on 14 october 2008

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3) using wind PoweR on the PaRndoRFeR Platte (Plain)

The Parndorfer Platte is one of the windiest places in Central Europe, and is largely to be found in Burgenland. The latest measurements show wind speeds at 100 metres above ground level averaging up to 9 m/s. These values are unusually high for an easily accessible area on level ground, and are the result of the corridor between the foothills of the Alps and the first ridges of the Carpathian mountains. This area was identified at an early stage as one of the windiest regions of the European interior. Since there was only limited experience with use of wind power in the interior in the early 1990s, the investment risk was too great to expect a massive commitment from vulnerable start-up companies specialising in wind power. Furthermore, the essential prerequisite of designated operating areas was missing. Distances from built-up areas, airports, traffic routes and conservation areas must be respected, as must birds' migration routes, as there is considerable diversity of species particularly around Lake Neusiedler.

In these circumstances, access to ERDF funds during the mid-1990s was beneficial for installing the first prototypes for electricity generation from wind power on the Parndorfer Platte, and for making the location attractive to later investors on the strength of detailed knowledge about the wind conditions and energy potential. At the same time, based on detailed study of bird life, possible areas for operation were designated.

This was done by careful designation of business zones around Parndorf, and special ornithological reserves. A process of this kind creates trust on the part of the relevant NGOs and enables symbiosis between exploitation of the energy resource and wildlife conservation. Any resistance that might be caused by the occupation of potentially profitable business sites close to the Austrian capital Vienna by wind turbines was factored in by the local authorities when designating the Parndorf business zone.

Since then, some 190 wind turbines have been installed on the designated area of the Parndorfer Platte, representing an investment of about €500 million. Besides the 190 wind turbines on the Parndorfer Platte, there are another 16 wind turbines in Central Burgenland. Wind energy covers some 50% of Burgenland's energy requirements (approx. 800 million kWh), and is one of the factors underpinning an above-average percentage of renewable energy sources in the total energy consumption in Burgenland.

It is noticeable that energy demand is relatively low in comparison with more heavily industrialised regions of Austria, or regions with a greater focus on winter sports tourism.

Wind energy could be expanded through the enlargement of the areas that are allowed to be exploited, or by re-powering, i.e. upgrading of the wind turbines by more recent, more efficient prototypes, which is possible if larger turbines and more modern rotors are used. An increase of 2 Megawatt Hours (MWh) to 6 MWh

former commissioner hübner visiting the clean room facility at the heart of the blue chip production plant.

12

is possible, if the current wind turbines weighing 60 tonnes are replaced by turbines of a later generation weighing 300 tonnes. However, this would require dismantling of the whole wind turbine, and reconstruction of the foundations and load-bearing structures. Further energy gains could be achieved by making the wind turbines taller. Raising the wind turbines from 80 to 130 metres would allow energy to increase by a power of 3.

Moreover, there is considerable potential for expansion by extending the areas that can be used for wind farms. Public subsidy no longer takes the form of direct investment, but support for the electricity customers, which rules out further investment grants on the grounds of regulations relating to state aid. ERDF support switched relatively early after the prototype phase out of direct subsidies for wind energy, and is now only committed to complementary development activities (see below).

Project example iii: 'wind farm' (windpark Parndorfer Platte)final beneficiary: Oekostrom

Energieproduktions- und Beteiligungs GmbH http://www.windpark.increase/de/c)_geo/geo_016.htm

project duration: 01.01.2002–30.09.2005

project description: test series of 8 prototype wind turbines (2 mw each), 100 m tall, rotor diameter: 80 m

eu objective 1 (erDf) € 58 458




Even if the ERDF financial support for the setting-up of the current wind farm on the Parndorfer Platte provided little or no financial support, it nevertheless acted as a catalyst and contributed to speeding up the investment process.

4) suPPoRt FoR education and tRaining at the buRgenland college oF higheR education in PinkaFeld and the centRe FoR Renewable eneRgy in güssing

Since the mid-1990s, specific education and training opportunities have been created in the energy field in Burgenland, at the same time as initial investments in the use of renewable energy sources.

The first demand and future-oriented courses were introduced by the Burgenland College of Higher Education a year before EU accession. The College has two sites (Pinkafeld and Eisenstadt) and currently offers 16 courses in four 'competencies'. Worthy of special mention is the core competency in Energy and Environmental Management, introduced in 2001, which not only offers students a comprehensive technical and work-oriented education, but also emphasises the economic and legal management aspects in the area of the environment. Within this field of competence, the College of Higher Education offers Bachelor and Master courses in Energy and Environmental Management, Building Technology and Building Management and Sustainable Energy Systems. The College of Higher Education is becoming even more important in the context of energy policy strategies, as the introduction of innovative courses gives the region advantages as a business location and improves the labour market. A clear strategic choice was made at an early stage to orient and open up courses to Central and Eastern Europe.

Immediately beside the College of Higher Education in Pinkafeld, Southern Burgenland, is the Pinkafeld Technology Centre, which was enlarged and saw its laboratory built with ERDF funds. Once again, this is a targeted use of financial support where emphasis was placed on tapping into regional strengths and strategies for the long-term, and in parallel, synergies were created between education, research and practical application:

Project iv: 'expansion of Pinkafeld technology centre'project coordinator: Fachhochschule Burgenland

project description: enlargement of the existing laboratory area to increase the research and development capacity

eu proportion (erDf) € 247 859

regional funds € 46 597



13

The high-tech test laboratory, with an area of approx. 1 000m² allows focused research in the energy field, and promotes active co-operation between businesses and science, since it works mainly on direct research assignments for companies. Students at the college use the technology centre in the context of their practical training and come into contact early on with companies, produce analyses on individual topics for SMEs, and so prepare their future in the world of work. The majority of students stay in Burgenland and find, for example, a job as an Energy and Environment Officer in the waste disposal sector, working for energy utilities or in planning offices. This prevents further emigration from Burgenland and gives them good prospects for earning a living.

Besides academic training opportunities, active technician training is also encouraged in Burgenland, with the SOLARTEUR® training course deserving particular mention. The Solarteur (solar installer) was originally launched in Vienna in 1993, and the course was soon implemented at the European Centre for Renewable Energies in Güssing, since practical work on pilot projects and laboratory work could be carried out. The aim of the training is to connect the principles of electrical and heating technology with new applications in heat and electricity generation. In practice, this means it is not necessary to call in a number of different tradesmen (roofer, installer, electrician), to have a solar or heat pump system installed, but rather a Solarteur-trained technician, who provides a one-stop shop service. The Solarteur training relies on a balanced relationship between theory and practice and the content includes the specialist areas of solar thermal energy, photovoltaic, wind power and biomass. Furthermore, the training imparts aspects of ecological marketing and management as well as know-how in multiple trades, so that students completing the course can approach the customer's energy problem in a holistic way, and carry out individually tailored planning and installation. Solarteur training offers an important

direct contribution to professional implementation of renewable energy technologies, thus driving forward not only ecology but also the economy. So, for example, the existence of the Solarteur school in Güssing is a decisive factor for the above-mentioned move to the area of a solar cell manufacturing plant run by Blue Chip Energy GmbH.

Project example v: 'solarteur - solar school in güssing'project coordinator: Europäisches Zentrum für

Erneuerbare Energie Güssing GmbH


erDf proportion € 55 000




In the context of Burgenland's success story, the guarantee of higher and technical education is an important strategic component which creates a sizeable potential for technical and innovative know-how, and opens up exciting prospects for the future.

interior, laboratory at pinkafeld technology centre

14

4. strategic considerations

long-teRm objectives oF Political decision makeRsAustria, with 23% of its national energy needs covered using renewable energy sources, is one of the leading EU countries behind Sweden, and the Austrian Länder are striving to increase that figure still further.

Burgenland started at a disadvantage compared with other Austrian Länder in the race to achieve the highest percentage of energy from renewable sources, as very little conventional hydro-electricity was used in the area. Mainly by making effective use of the wind power on the Parndorfer Platte, Burgenland has raced into the lead in Austria, now covering 60% of its needs using renewable sources. Of course, this is partly due to the fact that there are large nature reserves here, whose use in this sparsely populated region along the Hungarian border with economic disadvantages enabled it to gain ground rapidly. Nevertheless, it is hard to deny that continuous, strong political commitment based on high environmental awareness among the population led to additional efforts by energy companies and significant research results. The energy policy commitment starts from the top down, from the Regional President down to local mayors and town councils, and is firmly rooted in a long-term attitude.

getting the timing RightAustria's EU accession and the designation of a relatively small region as a special Objective 1 development area was seized as a clear 'window of opportunity'. The boost that can be achieved by concentrating funds at regional level in specific sectors came about quickly. Within the last two aid periods, there has been a particular focus on the tourism and renewable energy sectors, and a number of measures link these very different points of emphasis (see ecotourism in Southern Burgenland, or the symbiosis between wind energy and bird conservation at Lake Neusiedler).

The opportunity to link the expansion of renewable energies to technical advances, or vice versa, to boost research activities through practical applications, can be realised with the creation of the first technical college in Eisenstadt and Pinkafeld. Austria's decision to institutionalise practice-oriented academic education by setting up colleges of higher education was welcomed with

open arms here, and used for energy policy and ecological goals.

The skilful coordination of designation of ornithological reserves and areas to be exploited for wind power and business zones proved very helpful in overcoming tensions in the public consultation process.

bottom-uP and small stePs PolicyAlthough there was already great awareness about the renewable energies issue in Burgenland a long time ago, it is mainly local commitment and a small steps policy which puts an energy policy strategy into practice. It was mainly remote heat production from biomass that opened up the new prospects, even though for sparsely populated Burgenland, today it is no longer considered as particularly energy-efficient.

Production of remote heat from biomass has a major public relations impact among the general public, and establishes the all-important resource supply. Back in 1996, supply contracts were signed with local forestry and agricultural co-operatives, and a few years later, the parquet flooring industry was added. At the same time, a location for further pilot projects for research purposes was created, which ultimately underpinned the energy efficiency of biomass as an energy source in the context of combined heat and power systems.

The same applies to wind power, where prototypes highlighted the attractiveness of the Parndorfer Platte, and got local stakeholders around the table to designate areas where wind turbines could be used.

A number of local authorities, particularly in Southern Burgenland, signed up to policy criteria during the 1990s which are increasingly being incorporated into regional climate programmes, and are based mainly on four strategic factors:

exploitation of individual energy-saving potential, particularly •by improving buildings (improving insulation, incorporation of heat pumps, solar systems, etc.), by expanding the availability of information and advice, and through research activities;

15

increasing energy production from renewable, regionally •accessible energy sources, i.e. particularly wind, sun and biomass;expansion of existing local authority supply and decision-•making structures, to mobilise local energy resources;increased research activity in practical and theoretical fields •of application, and substantial expansion of research facilities and prototypes of viable energy production facilities as part of very close co-operation between the authorities and private operators.

netwoRking and maRketingThe public relations drive is impressive and demonstrates particular creativity. Güssing has become a trademark for renewable energies in specialist circles. The EEE (European Centre for Renewable Energies) offers courses, information events that even include holidays and recreational activities on a renewable energy theme. A specific ecotourism sector has been created, and a network built up with cultural and sports events organisers. Cycle tourists can cycle a specifically designed cycle route, in the same way as for visiting wine producers elsewhere in Burgenland, but in this case visiting sites for renewable energy production.

Membership of the Renewable Energy Network Austria, or RENET, is absolutely essential for Güssing and Burgenland and ensures they are linked into the national and international exchange of know-how. The Energy from Biomass competence network was founded in 1999, making it the first industrial competence network in Austria, in which businesses and organisations with a lot of experience in the biomass field co-operate, including companies connected with Güssing, such as Güssinger Fernwärme GmbH, Repotec Umwelttechnik, or Institut für Verfahrenstechnik, Umwelttechnik und technische Biowissenschaft, the Vienna University of Technology and Energie Versorgung Niederösterreich (EVN), etc.

A particular feature of this partnership is the setting-up of competence clusters, in which new processes can be tested in pilot systems, in co-operation with research and marketing firms. In Güssing, RENET has set up pilot plants for fluidised bed gasification while in Wiener Neustadt in Lower Austria, it has launched a pilot plant for fixed-bed gasification. In the context of new research fields, as in biogas energy recovery, the network added further public and private partners as well as competence clusters in 2004. With regard to thermal gasification and potential applications and marketing models, further pilot projects are being developed within the competence network.

16

5. role of the erDf in strategic implementation

The four key elements, as set out since 1988 in the European Cohesion Policy, are found once again in the implementation of Burgenland's energy strategy.

These concern the concentration of the funds employed, long-term programme planning, intensive partnership between local, regional, national and last but not least, European level, and the additionality of European funding, which enable funding gaps to be overcome for strategic investment at decisive moments.

a) concentRation oF the Funds emPloyedThe role of co-operation in Austrian spatial planning at Länder level with federal strategy decisions about Austrian Regional Policy, which is a responsibility of the Federal Chancellery, should not be underestimated. Regional development structures already exist and the designation of Burgenland as an Objective 1 region, which entails aid mechanisms with a more concentrated effect, has fallen on fertile ground. The intended multiplier effect has indeed been very pronounced. Besides the public resources available at regional level (policy prioritisation), private funds are contributing considerably as a result of state price support for expanding the use of existing energy resources through applications, pilot plants and basic research. However, it is important that in relation to the potential users, a critical mass of additional public funds is available that can be used in case of need.

b) long-teRm PRogRamme Planning and ensuRing sustainability

The long-term programme planning, which is determined by the multi-annual aid periods, creates investment certainty, negotiations with higher authorities, precise principles for argumentation and a strategic orientation. Particularly for innovative projects with longer implementation periods, as exist in Burgenland in the biomass or photovoltaic fields, the certainty of access to public funds over a programme period is an advantage.

The current practice of working with guidelines and open calls for tenders, where selection criteria are already established at the start of an aid period and maintained for the duration of the programme period, have also proved helpful in this context. Large projects can be started relatively quickly since less time is spent waiting for all the participants in a tender to be evaluated.

The open call for tenders also makes it easier to apply again within the programme period, if an additional requirement is identified in the same aid field, or in synergistic projects.

Furthermore, there is no pressure to apply for financial support at a particular time, even if the project is not yet complete.

c) PaRtneRshiPThe local and regional commitment at scientific, economic, and above all, political level is ultimately the actual breeding ground for successful implementation of the programmes. From this viewpoint, the partnership element is the most important of all. With centralised allocation of funds from Vienna or even Brussels, it would have been far more difficult to understand the energy policy potential of the region, motivate key people for the implementation at scientific and local policy level, and convince the wider population about the strategic importance.

d) additionalityThe proportion of ERDF financial support in the total investment in renewable energy sources in Burgenland is low, but it becomes more important due to the strategic application of the funds.

ERDF support helps to plug gaps in financing, partly due to private contributions and partly due to the mobilisation of national or regional co-financing. The leverage of these funds is greater, the smaller the financial shortfall.

If these funds are allocated to a development process, they can have further multiplier effects, since overcoming the financing shortfall can allow long-term development potential in further leading-edge technologies to be unleashed.

In this regard, the ERDF aid has proven highly efficient in the take-off of renewable energy use in Burgenland.

The time is right; the use of wind, biomass and solar energy took shape as an alternative energy source in the early 1990s, but is still in the project phase and is waiting for applications. Burgenland sees this as an opportunity. The biomass resource is abundant due to the decline in agriculture, the human factor and well-trained technicians too, but there is a threat from emigration, and there is a lack of a clear overarching structure to link the state-of-the-art with practical applications.

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6. transferability to other regions of europe: creation of a 'burgenland' cluster in slovenia?

Theoretically, Burgenland's overall concept of targeted use of European Structural Funds in the field of renewable energy sources is perfectly transferable to other regions of Europe, particularly neighbouring regions to the East and South. During the programme period 2007-13, these regions have access not only to the ERDF but also to the Cohesion Fund, which particularly funds projects for sustainable development that are clearly good for the environment, such as energy efficiency and renewable energies.

In practice, such comprehensive implementation and aid will only be considered for the programme period after 2013, and will only be able to be repeated if a number of key criteria are met. What would be decisive for devising and successfully implementing a comparable concept would be sufficient financial resources (particularly co-financing potential), and willingness and ability for individual local authorities to engage in a long-term change in energy supply, which is not without risk politically and economically.

Although, for example, the use of renewable energy sources in Slovenia has become more important in recent years, energy self-sufficiency at a local level, comparable to that seen in Güssing, has yet to be achieved. It is true that Slovenia is going for an expansion of alternative forms of energy, but according to the draft of the Green Paper on the new national energy programme (April 2009), it does not wish to abandon the use of nuclear energy altogether.

Atomic energy appears to remain an important source for a stable energy supply in Slovenia, and therefore it plans to invest in an extension of the

operating life of the Krško nuclear power station, and examine the need for accelerated construction of a second block. Against such a backdrop, it is questionable whether sufficient incentives can be created for the development of alternative (and more expensive) energy sources, at least in the immediate future. By securing 100% of its energy supply at national level, local players could fail to adopt local alternative sources that are good for the environment and sustainable at the appropriate time.

The small steps policy should be put into action at local level in Slovenia.

Particularly at local level, individual components, such as the solar school, biomass plants, etc. could be implemented very successfully in Slovenia. In the biomass field, there are already the first initiatives in local energy policy development strategies, based on existing potential and location-related 'tailor-made' concepts.

As already stated, it comes down to devising the right strategy with the right mix of components for the region concerned, with the right players at the right time.

The co-operation potential of Burgenland and its neighbours is enormous and ranges from knowledge transfer, data interchange, project development to the development and implementation of pilot projects. In the following tables, the transferability potential and necessary measures are explained briefly.

transferability potential necessary measures

slovenia has the natural and renewable resources necessary for expanding renewable energy (particularly photovoltaic and biomass, as well as wind). this potential should not be neglected.existing management structures at local level need to be incorporated into the planning of energy self-sufficiency.

there need to be trade-offs for ngos (e.g. conservation areas) which can drive forward the consultation process.

local players must take on a more central role in the exploitation of decentralised existing energy potential.

the general direction of the country's strategy must be towards increased use of renewable energy and greater energy efficiency.

nuclear power as a transitional technology or stable back-up energy source, but not necessarily as the main source of energy supply.

limitation of the risk for local authorities if research, start-up phases and the provision of the basic infrastructure are aided by the eu funds. possibility of leaving further development to the private sector.

long-term strategic planning and concentration of the eu aid. stimulation of the private sector through research policy co-operation.

positive public opinion on the part of the population with regard to aiding greater environmental conservation, reduction of co2 emissions, etc.

price support mechanisms for 'green energy'

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7. why is all of this so relevant to the current debate about the future of european cohesion policy?

Promoting renewable energy sources combines like almost no other theme the central Gothenburg and Lisbon objectives (‘sustainable development’ and ‘growth and employment’ respectively). The development and use of renewable energy sources requires labour-intensive research and development. It builds a bridge between peripheral regions and European economic centres, between energy resources available in a decentralised way, and their converters and purchasers of the end product 'energy and research results' in the economic centres. As the Growth Report of 2008 called for a plus from European Cohesion Policy, here local available capacities are being discovered and exploited. They are primarily aimed at optimal exploitation of the comparative advantages of the regions.

Promotion of renewable energy resources is also a policy that cuts across national borders. Resource procurement, supply logistics, technology transfer and transfer of implementation structures could be greatly improved by close transnational co-operation. Promotion of renewable energy sources is ideal terrain for developing more intensive transnational co-operation – a relatively uncontroversial fundament of future European Cohesion Policy.

It is worth mentioning the importance of a holistic approach to aid policy for the successful implementation of Burgenland's energy strategy. Regional Policy is not intended to be rigidly sector-specific, but is always seeking synergy between different fields of investment. Only a locally-determined aid policy enabled a soundly based energy cluster to be established in Southern Burgenland. The driving force of 'renewable energies' will push forward with it tourism, the wood-processing industry, forestry and farming and many other areas of business by increasing indirect income. This is definitely an example of local aid policy providing arguments for the strategic debate on future aid mechanisms.

The aid policy offers further reasons for the continuation of elements of the existing aid geography, particularly with regard to the value-added generated, multiplier effects and with regard to the signposting function that the use of EU aid can have in advanced regions in terms of development policy. Use of EU aid for Burgenland's objective of achieving energy self-sufficiency through renewable local energy sources provides ample arguments for not limiting future aid geography to temporary cohesion target regions.

Kn-31-09-204-en

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European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policyunit b.1 - communication, information and relations with third countriesavenue de tervuren 41, b-1040 brusselsfax: (32-2) 29-66003e-mail: [email protected]

For further information, please consult:http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy

ISBN 978-92-79-13941-3

a model for other european regions - ec.europa.eu · 3 burgenland lies in the east of austria, and...

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