Austria Center Vienna (ACV) has commissioned a new photovoltaic system that will generate part of its electricity on site. Approximately 1,340 solar panels covering an area of 2,700 square metres will produce around 575,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy annually. The project represents the largest single measure implemented to date as part of Austria Center Vienna’s ongoing transformation programme.
From event venue to intelligent infrastructure
The requirements placed on international congress centres have evolved significantly in recent years. Alongside technical excellence, organisers increasingly expect credible concepts for resource-efficient and future-oriented operations. Austria Centre Vienna is responding to these expectations through targeted investments in its buildings, technology and energy efficiency. The new photovoltaic system marks another important milestone in this long-term development.
“Sustainability is increasingly shaping competition for international congresses and conventions. Today, organisers expect tangible measures rather than declarations of intent. With this photovoltaic system, we are investing in the long-term competitiveness of Austria Center Vienna while reinforcing Vienna’s position as one of the world’s leading congress destinations,” says Susanne Baumann-Söllner, Spokesperson of the Management Board and Board Member for Congress Management of the Austria Center Vienna.
Renewable energy generated on-site
The photovoltaic installation comprises approximately 1,340 modules with a total installed capacity of 603 kWp across around 2,700 square metres of roof space. ALLPLAN Gesellschaft m.b. H. carried out project planning and local construction supervision. The system will cover approximately 8.5 per cent of the venue’s electricity demand. The energy generated will be consumed directly on site, significantly reducing Austria Center Vienna’s reliance on externally sourced electricity.
“Future-ready venues depend on the seamless integration of building systems, event technology and energy infrastructure. The photovoltaic installation is therefore not a stand-alone measure but an integral part of our long-term infrastructure strategy to enhance efficiency, energy security and resilience,” explains Dr Michael Rotter, Board Member for Building and Property Management at Austria Center Vienna.
Sustainability as a competitive advantage
The photovoltaic system is the largest single measure within a broader transformation programme currently underway. As Austria’s first Green Conference Centre, Austria Centre Vienna has, since 2021, been feeding waste heat from its cooling systems into Vienna’s district heating network in cooperation with Wien Energie. Together, these initiatives are creating an infrastructure that combines sustainability with technological innovation and strengthens the long-term competitiveness of Austria Centre Vienna.
Learn more about Austria Center Vienna here.
