Vienna aims to cut reliance on Russian gas with $21 billion push for heat pumps and geothermal energy
Vienna is making a major push to end its decades-long dependence on Russian natural gas. The Austrian capital is investing $21 billion in energy-efficient heating solutions, including heat pumps and geothermal systems, to power homes and public buildings. The goal is to phase out fossil fuel imports, reduce air pollution, and cut greenhouse gas emissions while expanding local and renewable energy sources.
Tapping into geothermal energy
On the outskirts of Vienna, engineers are drilling for a deep hot water reservoir known as the "Aderklaa Conglomerate." Operated by Austria’s OMV AG, the geothermal project will use boiling hot water to power heat pumps, supplying 20,000 homes with sustainable heating.
This initiative is part of the city's broader plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2040. Vienna announced its energy transition in September 2023, but recent global events have reinforced its urgency. Rising fuel prices and Kiev´s refusal to extend the transit of Russian gas to Central Europe have only strengthened Vienna’s determination to secure energy independence.
Expanding one of Europe’s largest district heating networks
Vienna is doubling down on district heating, aiming to expand its network to cover 400,000 households—making it one of the largest in Europe. Right now, the city’s biggest heat source is a waste incineration plant designed by the renowned architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, which provides heating for 200,000 homes.
New heat pump systems are being added to other waste incineration plants, and Vienna’s main waste treatment center has also integrated a heat pump for additional energy generation. Furthermore, the city has plans to utilise heat from smaller, local sources. Here are some examples:
- Data Centers: Waste heat from the servers of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the University of Vienna is fed into the district heating system. Austria’s largest data center alone provides enough heat to cover nearly all the heating needs of one of the city’s major hospitals.
- Food Industry: The famous Austrian confectioner Josef Manner & Comp. has installed heat exchangers to capture excess energy from its ovens. This recycled thermal energy generates 5,600 megawatt-hours per year, enough to heat around 600 homes.
Overcoming economic challenges
Despite the ambitious vision, Vienna faces financial challenges in making its district heating network competitive. Right now, heating prices are tied to natural gas prices, making long-term purchase agreements crucial for stability. Still, city officials remain confident.
“This is like a moon landing,” says Jürgen Czernohorszky, Vienna’s Climate Councilor. “But our job is to take bold steps to reshape the city for the next century.” With large-scale investments and innovative solutions, Vienna is betting big on a future free from Russian gas.
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