Austria Center Vienna Invests in Future Resilience with New Photovoltaic System

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 Center Vienna is responding to these expectations through target-ed 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. Project planning and local construction su-pervision were carried out by ALLPLAN Gesellschaft m.b.H. The system will cover approximately 8.5 per cent of the venue’s electricity demand. The energy generated will be consumed directly on site, signifi-cantly 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,” ex-plains 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 cur-rently underway. As Austria’s first Green Conference Centre, Austria Center 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 Center Vienna.

Photovoltaic System at a Glance

• Installed capacity: 603 kWp
• Approximately 1,340 photovoltaic modules
• Approximately 2,700 m² of roof area
• Expected annual generation: 575,000 kWh
• Covers approximately 8.5% of ACV’s electricity demand
• Equivalent annual supply for approximately 160 Vienna households
• Planning and local construction supervision: ALLPLAN Gesellschaft m.b.H.

About IAKW-AG

IAKW-AG (Internationales Amtssitz- und Konferenzzentrum Wien, Aktiengesellschaft) is responsible for maintaining the Vienna International Centre (VIC) and operating Austria Center Vienna. With 21 halls, 134 meeting rooms and approximately 26,000 m² of exhibition space, Austria Center Vienna is Austria’s larg-est congress centre and one of Europe’s leading congress and convention venues.
https://www.acv.at/en/