A solar power plant in itself already provides a lot of benefits to people and the environment as it utilizes renewable energy. But this plant in Vienna provides more than just electricity to the locals.
Situated in Liesing, the solar power built in 2013 also serves as a habitat for endangered small mammals and insects. Specifically, the area is home to some 13 protected species of insects such as the grasshoppers, crickets, praying mantis and small mammals to include the field hamsters, moths, snails, lizards, spiders and beetles.
Being the size of two football pitches, there’s enough space to accommodate these insects and mammals. The grass is well preserved and a special mowing technique is practiced to ensure the grasshoppers are not harmed. The warm area underneath the solar panels also provide a great home for the grasshoppers.
Currently, the solar power plant produces 1,000 MWh of electricity each year supplied to some 400 homes. So far, the photovoltaic system generates only one percent of electricity for Austria, still behind Germany’s 4.5 percent. However, Austria’s energy officials assure they are taking action and an investment plan worth 800 million Euros is already in the offing in the next five years with more than half of it dedicated to renewable energy.
Wien Energie is Vienna’s supplier of solar panels that cost 950 Euros each. City residents are allowed to purchase up to 10 of these panels.
