The money will be earmarked for the “Tomorrow Project”. The goal is to achieve energy and price independence by 2030.
The Burgenland budget provides for new debt of 50 million euros in 2025. The money will be used for a specific purpose for the “Tomorrow Project”, which was founded together with Burgenland Energie and aims to achieve energy and price independence, announced State Councilor for Economic Affairs Leonhard Schneemann in his budget speech in the state parliament on Friday. He represented the convalescent state governor and financial officer Hans Peter Doskozil (both SPÖ).
In total, the state estimate presented includes around 1.94 billion euros. “We have consciously decided to invest specifically in Burgenland’s energy and price independence. That’s why we’re taking out a loan of 54 million euros in 2025, which will be used exclusively to finance ‘Project Tomorrow’,” says Schneemann.
The aim of “Project Tomorrow” is to expand solar and wind power. 80 percent of the planned financial resources for this come from Austrian banks and insurance companies and the European Investment Bank. Neither the state nor Burgenland Energie would have to accept liability for this.
Energy and price independence by 2030
The establishment of the energy community is a first step towards energy and price independence by 2030. As a member, you can purchase wind and solar power at a fixed price for 20 years. Schneemann also announced a solution for reducing network fees. The planned hospital in Gols is to be financed with income from “Project Tomorrow”. In the social sector, on the other hand, there is an extension of the heat price cap and the housing cost cap until mid-2025 and the first SOWO apartments will be handed over to rent buyers at the turn of the year.
At the beginning, Schneemann referred to the measures implemented in recent years, such as the minimum wage, structural reform in care and free kindergarten. The legislative period was also marked by multiple crises, he mentioned the corona pandemic, the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine and the energy crisis. However, the federal government did not react properly to this, according to the regional council: “Due to the mistakes of this government, Austria has been in a recession for two years, the number of bankruptcies is increasing, and the asylum crisis remains unresolved.”
Burgenland, on the other hand, “continued to invest wisely and specifically in the security and prosperity of the country,” emphasized Schneemann. Like Doskozil himself the day before, he emphasized the financing of the communities. A special package was decided on for them and a municipal fund law was presented to help municipalities in financial difficulties. The “structural relief package”, which would have relieved the municipalities of personnel costs, failed due to resistance from the ÖVP. Doskozil now wants to make a new attempt and explore “possibilities such as those relating to the waste association” with representatives of cities and municipalities, Schneemann also explained.
The “partnership course” with the communities should be continued. There is targeted support for infrastructure projects, needs allocations and the new stability fund. The federal government, on the other hand, ensures that revenue shares fall and shifts tasks to states and municipalities. “We will counteract this with individual solutions for each community,” said the state council.
In addition to the state estimate for 2025, the supplementary estimate for 2024 is also available. This takes into account additional expenditure in the areas of care and social services, for supporting communities and for covering flood damage. No new loan is necessary to cover these additional expenses.
Snowman brought greetings from Doskozil. According to the state council, this will be available to answer questions from representatives at the budget state parliament in mid-December. After almost 30 minutes, the state parliament session ended again. (APA)
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## “Burgenland Invests in Energy Future with €54 Million ‘Tomorrow Project'”
**World-Today-News.com Exclusive Interview**
**Vienna, Austria -** The Austrian state of burgenland has announced an ambitious €54 million investment in the “Tomorrow Project”, aimed at achieving energy and price independence by 2030. We spoke with **Dr. Stefan Novak**, a leading expert on renewable energy policy and investment at the University of Vienna, to understand the significance of this project.
**WTN:** Dr. Novak, Burgenland’s decision to dedicate important funds towards renewable energy is noteworthy.What makes this project stand out?
**Dr. Novak:** This project represents a bold step towards energy autonomy, a goal increasingly vital in today’s volatile energy landscape. Burgenland is not just talking about future ambitions; they are putting concrete financial resources behind it. The €54 million commitment specifically earmarked for the “Tomorrow Project” is ample, especially considering the relatively small size of the state.
**WTN:** The goal of achieving energy independence by 2030 is ambitious. What are the key challenges and opportunities Burgenland faces in realizing this vision?
**Dr. Novak:** Burgenland benefits from favorable geographic conditions for renewable energy generation, especially solar and wind. However, achieving complete energy independence requires careful planning and execution.
Challenges include:
* **Grid Infrastructure:** Expanding the electricity grid to accommodate increased renewable energy feed-in might require substantial investment.
* **Storage Solutions:** Implementing effective energy storage solutions is crucial for ensuring a reliable energy supply even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
* **Public Acceptance:** gaining public support for new wind farms and solar installations can be challenging.
Opportunities abound as well:
* **Job Creation:** The transition to renewable energy can create numerous jobs in construction, maintenance, and related industries.
* **Economic Growth:** Burgenland can position itself as a leader in renewable energy, attracting investment and boosting its local economy.
* **Environmental Protection:** reducing reliance on fossil fuels contributes to a cleaner habitat and combats climate change.
**WTN:** What role can partnerships with companies like burgenland Energie play in realizing the “Tomorrow Project”?
**Dr. Novak:** partnerships with experienced energy companies like Burgenland Energie are vital for the success of the project. They bring technical expertise, project growth capabilities, and access to the necessary financing.
These collaborations can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure and ensure a smooth transition to a sustainable energy future for Burgenland.
**WTN:** what message dose this project send to other regions considering similar investments in renewable energy?
**Dr. Novak:** Burgenland’s commitment sends a strong message: investing in renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative; it’s a smart economic decision.
By taking decisive action today, Burgenland is securing a more sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens.
