Vienna Invests USD 21 Billion to End Dependence on Russian Gas
Austria: Vienna is investing USD 21 billion in energy-efficient heating solutions to eliminate its reliance on Russian natural gas imports. The Austrian capital is expanding heat pumps, geothermal energy, and other local supply systems to heat homes and public buildings while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. A key initiative involves drilling into the "Aderklaa Conglomerate," a deep hot water reservoir operated by OMV AG, which will power heat pumps and provide sustainable heating for 20,000 homes. This effort aligns with Vienna’s broader goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2040, a commitment reinforced by rising fuel prices and the impending halt of Russian gas transit to Central Europe.
Vienna is also doubling the size of its district heating network to cover 400,000 households, making it one of Europe’s largest. Currently, the city's main heat source is a waste incineration plant designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, supplying heating for 200,000 homes. Additional heat pump systems are being integrated into waste treatment centers, while surplus heat from data centers and the food industry is being captured for reuse. Austria’s largest data center alone provides enough heat to cover nearly all of a major hospital’s needs, and confectioner Josef Manner & Comp. generates 5,600 megawatt-hours annually, enough to heat 600 homes. Despite financial challenges, officials remain confident in securing long-term energy stability through competitive district heating expansion.
Source: Net Book Check