Energy WITH Spirit – Pioneering implementation of a solidarity-based energy community in the evangelical-diaconal sector in Austria

A consortium of 9 project partners from business, science and research as well as the Protestant-Diaconal sector has taken on the project “Energy WITH Spirit. Pioneering implementation of an energy community based on solidarity in the evangelical-diaconal sector in Austria”, has set itself the task of involving vulnerable population groups in particular in the energy transition and actively taking them along.

The goal of the renewable energy community is that the jointly produced energy is not only used by the community itself but is also made available in a solidary form – 10% of the produced energy or of the generated profit – is provided to supply socially disadvantaged and poverty-stricken persons as well as to serve as common good. The core concern of the solidary concept “the tenth part for those who need it” is so far unique in the Austrian energy communities and particularly distinguishes “Energy WITH Spirit” from other initiatives.

Foundation for the project is the renewable expansion act package (EAG package), which passed the Austrian National Council in 2021 and which has, amongst others, the goal to convert the Austrian power supply to 100% renewable energy sources by 2030.

The energy community joins forces with real estate owners (producers), the supporting institutions that use the real estate (prosumers) and different user groups (consumers). Two buildings will be equipped with large-scale self-financed photovoltaic systems; producers thus also assume the prosumer role. The preparation of an Austria-wide roll-out in the Protestant context and beyond is planned.