On Saturday, 2 September, Carinthia’s first wind farm was officially opened.
“Today is a good day for Carinthia and a first step for wind power in Carinthia,” Energy Regional Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig commented on the development and announced changes to the regulatory framework for a faster expansion of wind power in Carinthia so that the high electricity imports in winter can be ended.
After the ceremonial speeches by Regional Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig and Regional Member of Parliament Günter Leikam, the mayors of the municipalities of Lavamünd and St. Georgen im Lavanttal, the Kelag board members and ECOwind Managing Director Johann Janker, the wind farm was blessed by Father Marian of St. Paul Abbey. Afterwards, the visitors from the region used the broad programme that was offered: Information stands on the wind farm and the company, a crane lift with a spectacular view, a tour of the wind turbine, a children’s programme, regional delicacies and much more.
The wind farm was planned and built by ECOwind and purchased by Kelag in May.
It includes a total of eight wind turbines on the Steinberger Alpe and on the Soboth, which have been in operation since summer 2022. The wind turbines have a total capacity of around 26 MW and an expected annual production of around 60 million kilowatt hours of electricity, which is equivalent to the average annual demand of around 17,000 households.
