Energy Park Research Foundation officially presented: A foundation with impact!

The Energiepark Research Foundation was presented to the public at the launch event in Lighthouse10 at the Haus des Meeres in Vienna. Its aim is to drive research forward, accelerate innovation and put knowledge into practice – with a clear focus on renewable energy. “Our vision is to be a foundation with a real impact – a driving force that not only enables innovation, but actively promotes it and shapes a shared renewable energy future,” summarizes Dr. Hannes Schaffer.

Setting the course for the future

Founded on December 19, 2023, the research foundation is a purely privately financed, non-profit institution that provides new impetus for the energy transition. It builds on three decades of experience at the Energiepark Bruck/Leitha and aims to set the course for the next 30 years with targeted funding and the implementation of innovative ideas. “When we founded the energy park three decades ago, the expansion of renewable energy was still a vision. Today it is a necessity. Now we are continuing on the path of courageous solutions and consistent action – by pooling our experience and creating the space to be able to drive this innovative spirit forward in a targeted manner with the Energiepark Research Foundation,” says Herbert Stava, founder of Energiepark Bruck/Leitha.

From research to practice

A scientific advisory board of leading experts steers the content of the foundation: Prof. DI Dr. Reinhard Haas (Vienna University of Technology), Prof. DI Dr. Michael Harasek (Vienna University of Technology) and Priv.-Doz. DI Dr. Christoph Hauer (BOKU Vienna) contribute their many years of expertise to the scientific discourse and ensure that bridges are built between science, business and technological implementation. “We need bold approaches that are not only researched, but also implemented. The Energy Park Research Foundation can act as a driver for innovative ideas here,” emphasizes Prof. Reinhard Haas. “The biggest challenges of the energy transition can only be solved if research and practice move closer together. This is precisely where the foundation comes in,” adds Priv.-Doz. DI Dr. Christoph Hauer.

Foundation Award 2025 – A strong signal for innovation

This year, the Energiepark Research Foundation is already focusing on actively supporting forward-looking developments. One key project is the introduction of an annual foundation prize, which will be awarded for the first time in 2025. With a substantial endowment, the foundation wants to send a strong signal for innovation in the field of renewable energy. “We don’t just want to promote innovation, we want to target where it is needed most – those who have the courage to break new ground. With this prize, we are sending out a signal that ambitious ideas must be put into practice,” summarizes DI Dr. Hannes Schaffer. The first call for entries will start in spring 2025, and the award ceremony will take place in the fall as part of the “30 years of Energiepark Bruck/Leitha” celebrations.

Long-term appeal – driving force for the industry

In addition to the Foundation Prize, the Energy Park Research Foundation is continuing its involvement in the ÖGUT Environmental Prize 2025. The foundation launched the new “Renewable Energy” category back in 2024. The aim is to establish itself in this category in the long term and act as a driving force for innovation in the energy sector. “Our aim is to establish this category in the long term and to act as a driving force for innovation in the renewable energy sector. The ÖGUT Environmental Award offers us the right stage for this,” says DI Dr. Michael Harasek.

This official launch of the Energy Park Research Foundation marks the start of a new chapter for the research foundation landscape in Austria – with clear impetus for innovation, research and knowledge transfer in order to actively shape the renewable energy future together.