“Energy consumption is a very emotional topic”

“It’s fascinating what’s already here” can be heard from all sides in the aisles of the exhibition halls in Wels. Thousands stream from one hall of the “WeBuild” energy saving trade fair to the next, numerous brochures and information material under their arms.

Those areas that deal with renewable energies are particularly popular and it is difficult to get through. “Energy consumption is currently a very emotional topic. People are desperately looking for good alternatives and we notice that: pellets, wood, photovoltaic systems – this weekend people can find out about everything from the 250 exhibitors,” says Robert Schneider, Managing Director the fair in Wels.

• OO Today: Because of the exploding energy prices, more and more people seem to want to switch to alternatives. This was also reflected in the rush at the energy saving trade fair in Wels.

Although there are almost two-thirds fewer exhibitors this weekend in Wels, the managing director and trade fair manager Petra Leingartner expect almost the same number of guests as two years ago: “The sanitary and bathroom area has become a little less, but this year the Focus on the sustainable energy sector and the energy transition,” says Leingartner.

Future issues for young people

The fact that this area is of particular interest to young people is also evident from the visitors. “Even if we don’t think about building a house at the age of 17 or 18, renewable energy resources and sustainability are topics that we deal with very intensively at school,” says a group of students from the HLW Bad Ischl.

“You see, that’s almost better, we should think about that,” says an elderly couple while looking through different insulating materials. A few meters away, the audience listens intently to a lecture on thermal insulation and living space ventilation. “The current situation – also with regard to the Ukraine crisis – shows us that we have to get out of our dependency and use our resources carefully,” says Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler, who also paid a visit to the energy saving trade fair yesterday. (cape)

• Visit the booth of the OÖ Nachrichten in Exhibition hall 21.