Schiffberg wind
power dialogue

Information on the state of planning

Following the positive outcome of the referendum in June, project planning continued intensively in the summer months. In our latest newsletter, we provide an insight into the state of the planning. Three wind turbines with an output of around 7 MW are being planned. They generate electricity for about 10,000 households every year. 

The opportunities of the "Klimasparen" product and the citizen electricity model offer the people of Rainbach an excellent opportunity: by investing in renewable energies, they not only protect the environment, but also benefit from attractive returns.

Wind power in Grünbach: citizens should decide!

On 2 June, 56% of the population of Rainbach voted to use the energy of wind power in their municipality. This now opens the way for the environmental impact assessment. The municipality benefits from low-cost electricity, investment products and compensation payments. The citizens in Grünbach are also set to decide.

Visiting the wind turbines

An interested group of citizens from Rainbach and Grünbach took the opportunity to watch a wind farm in operation on 15 May.

In a conversation with Martin Knill, the managing director of the company operating the Gross Schweinbarth wind farm (Lower Austria), many questions about the operation and construction of wind turbines were answered. The turbines are comparable to those planned around the Schiffberg. The facility is extremely efficient thanks to the independent alignment of the rotor blades depending on the wind direction.

Some participants were particularly surprised by the quiet operation of the smooth-running turbines. Particular attention was paid to the fact that wind turbines automatically switch off if they cast too much shadow in order to avoid adverse effects.

28 February 2024: Start of the wind power dialogue

On 28 February, the dialogue on the Schiffberg wind power project kicked off in the municipality of Rainbach im Mühlkreis. The VERBUND Green Power team, led by project manager Stefan Zwirschitz, presented the aspects of the energy transition and VERBUND's wind power plans at various themed events. The municipal representatives and substitute municipal councillors from Rainbach and Grünbach bei Freistadt were invited to this first event. Although Upper Austria is a latecomer to wind energy compared to the eastern federal states, it has attractive wind areas and great potential, especially in the north. The state government's ambitious goal of generating 90% of electricity from renewable energy by 2030 will only be achieved with the rapid expansion of wind power. VERBUND can show how municipalities can also benefit directly from this.