As stated by the EIB, the project concerns the implementation and operation of 44,85 MW wind farm in Engelhartstetten (district of Gänserndorf, Lower Austria).

The wind farm will primarily reduce carbon and air pollution emissions, which are externalities the market fails to address. It will also foster the integration of new, variable renewable generation technologies in the market. Ultimately, it will support the development of new renewable capacities with more market-exposed structures.

Construction of the wind farm started on 9 November and is set to last for 15 months. Grid connection is planned for December 2024, with commercial commissioning taking place in March 2025. In parallel, WLK energy has concluded a 15-year electricity supply agreement with Lenzing AG, a producer of wood-based textile fibres. Lenzing aims to cut CO₂ emissions per tonne of fibres in half by 2030, and to become carbon-neutral by 2050. Another customer for the wind-power is Messer Austria, a manufacturer of industrial gas. 

The project is located in a particularly sensitive bird area.

Erste Bank der österreichischen Sparkassen will add €27.7 million to the project.

As stated by the EIB, WLK energy is a privately owned Austrian energy producer. WLK energy’s mission is to provide a reliable supply of clean electricity from renewable sources to private households and businesses. It focuses in particular on the development, construction and operation of wind and solar farms and the distribution of the electricity generated.

Client - Windlandkraft GmbH:

Address: Agrarstraße 1, 2284 Untersiebenbrunn
Phone: +43 2286 430 40
Email: office@wlk.energy
Website: www.wlk.energy

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

You can submit an information request for project information at: https://www.eib.org/en/infocentre/registers/request-form/request-form-default.htm

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF EIB

The EIB Complaints Mechanism is designed to facilitate and handle complaints against the EIB by individuals, organizations or corporations affected by EIB activities. When exercising the right to lodge a complaint against the EIB, any member of the public has access to a two-tier procedure, one internal - the Complaints Mechanism Office - and one external - the European Ombudsman. A complaint can be lodged via a written communication addressed to the Secretary General of the EIB, via email to the dedicated email address: complaints@eib.org, by completing the online complaint form available at the following address: http://www.eib.org/complaints/form via fax or delivered directly to the EIB Complaints Mechanism Division, any EIB local representation office or any EIB staff. For further details, check: http://www.eib.org/attachments/strategies/complaints_mechanism_policy_en.pdf

When dissatisfied with a complaint to the EIB Complaints Mechanism, citizens can then turn towards the European Ombudsman. A memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the EIB and the European Ombudsman establishes that citizens (even outside of the EU if the Ombudsman finds their complaint justified) can turn towards the Ombudsman on issues related to 'maladministration' by the EIB. Note that before going to the Ombudsman, an attempt must be made to resolve the case by contacting the EIB. In addition, the complaint must be made within two years of the date when the facts on which your complaint is based became known to you. You can write to the Ombudsman in any of the languages of the European Union. Additional details, including filing requirements and complaint forms, are available at: http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/atyourservice/interactiveguide.faces