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EfficienCE project pilot with a première: Solar power from PV films lights up underground station

13.12.2019

A Wiener Linien pilot project with Wien Energie to promote active climate protection in Ottakring as part of EfficienCE

Wiener Linien is one of twelve partners from seven EU member states involved in the EfficienCE international project. As part of its environmental efforts, Wiener Linien launched a unique pilot project: The first-time installation of special photovoltaic films on the roof of the underground station in the Ottakring district. The power generated will be used on-site to operate lighting, escalators and elevators. The films are five times lighter than conventional photovoltaic systems and have been installed on the flat roof of the Ottakring U3 station as a pilot project. “Public transport is one of the key factors when it comes to environmental protection in Vienna. Not only trams, buses and underground trains but also the supply of energy to Wiener Linien plays an important role here, which is why I am delighted that Wiener Linien is also acting as a pioneer in this area by testing photovoltaic films on large roof areas alongside Wien Energie”, says Ulli Sima, the city councillor responsible for public transport. 360 square metres of solar power The project is being implemented by Wien Energie. “Photovoltaic technology continues to develop rapidly. Wien Energie already has systems in place with double-sided, vertically-mounted and semi-transparent modules. The special film-based modules here on the roof of the Ottakring underground station are a first. Due to being particularly light and flexible, they are compatible with the on-site requirements in terms of lightning protection and structural engineering. We are relying on innovative technology to further promote the expansion of photovoltaics in the heart of the city”, according to Karl Gruber, one of the general managers of Wien Energie. The photovoltaic system covers an area of around 360 square metres and generates around 62,000 kilowatt hours of solar power with an output of 60.3 kilowatt-peak. This means that over 21 tonnes of CO2 will be saved every year.

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EfficienCE

Further Information

Wolfgang Backhaus

+49 221 6060 55 0

w.backhaus@rupprecht-consult.eu