The photovoltaic boom in Austria continues. Now Graz is also set to get a lot of new PV systems. By the end of 2026, 79 systems at 56 locations will be used to convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. This could cover a third of the electricity needs of urban buildings and areas in Graz from 2027.
Graz presents “Photovoltaic Master Plan”
The plan to invest in renewable and local energy is described by Graz Vice Mayor Judith Schwentner (Greens) as an “important contribution to the energy transition”. “Only if we do our own homework can we motivate citizens, companies and other cities to act in a climate-friendly manner,” she continues. The photovoltaic master plan, as the city of Graz calls it, ensures independence and price stability. The plan is to build 79 PV systems at 56 locations by the end of 2026, with a total investment of 34.5 million, which will come from the city’s investment fund. Although the master plan must first be officially approved at the next local council meeting, nothing should stand in the way of a majority since the KPÖ, Greens and SPÖ have already agreed. The approval and tendering process should then begin so that the first PV systems can be built in 2024. The largest facility will be built at the airport.
Further electricity plans until 2030
As far as distribution is concerned, water management areas or the roofs of sewage treatment plants should be developed. In addition, they want to use the roofs of municipal kindergartens, schools, parking garages, warehouses and other buildings – around 50 properties in total. If the systems are built as planned by the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027, around 6,800 tons of CO2 will be saved per year. This is intended to relieve the city’s budget in the medium to long term. The Graz City Councilor for Finance Manfred Eber (KPÖ) expects that the investments will have paid for themselves in twelve to a maximum of 15 years. The aim is to only have to use fossil energy sources as a back-up. However, the announced investments are not enough, so further plans include additional systems to cover half of public electricity needs by 2030.
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