Image: PZ Stadl-Paura
Next year it will be decided whether the Stadlinger Pferdezentrum can stand on its own two feet in terms of energy requirements. In order to achieve this goal, two large supply projects were tackled in the Austrian competence center for breeding, sport and training.
The first step towards independence is a 183 kWp photovoltaic system on the roof of the large event hall. The 430 panels can generate around 200,000 kilowatt hours per year, which corresponds to the entire energy consumption of the horse center. The plant went into operation in mid-July. For the time being, part of the surplus produced will be fed into the storage facilities of the new Traun-Ager-Alm energy cooperative. Its members include citizens, companies, communities and farms, including the horse center. According to the energy cooperative, the aim is to generate electricity regionally and sell it at a fair price.
In order to finally be able to operate independently of energy, managing director Johannes Mayrhofer relies on a biogas fermentation plant, which also generates electricity. Around 7,800 tons of horse manure accumulate in the horse center every year. Due to the large quantity, further processing and acceptance has become an ever-increasing challenge, emphasizes Mayrhofer. Of course, horse manure contains valuable biogas, which is now to be used. In a test facility, biogas is extracted from the remains and converted into energy. After three weeks of fermentation, the remaining two-thirds of the material can be used as a natural fertilizer in agriculture: “On the one hand, this creates energy and, on the other hand, a sustainable fertilizer. In addition, the amount of manure is reduced. It’s a win-win situation.” , emphasizes the head of the horse center.
In a six-month trial phase, functionality and processing are tested and the results measured. Most recently, State Councilor Michaela Langer-Weninger (VP) got an overview of this in the horse center.
Source: Nachrichten
