The solar campaign is carried out by O. O.

Energiesparverband. O. O. Energiesparverband is the regional energy agency of Upper Austria and was established in 1991 by the regional government. Aim of the agency is the

promotion of energy efficiency, RES and innovative energy technologies. O. O.

Energiesparverband is a central institution for energy information and one of Europe’s

largest energy advice and information providers. Services to different target groups, from

private households to SME’s and public bodies are offered.

The main services of O. O. Energiesparverband include:

• energy information and awareness raising activities

• energy advice for private households and industry: 15,000 energy advice sessions annually

• international co-operation & European projects: vice-precidency of FEDARENE, member of EUFORES, co-ordinator of the OPET-RES-e network

• management of a sustainable buildings programme which includes energy certification for buildings and the calculation of an energy index for every new single family house (> 30,000 calculations carried out)

• a great number of different training activities (for energy advisors, for installers etc.)

• organisation of conferences, workshops, seminars, competitions

• management of the OEC, the network of green energy businesses.

Results

In Upper Austria, 674,000 m2 solar thermal collectors are installed, which equals 488 m2 per 1,000 inhabitants, a leading European figure.

In total 230 million kWh heat are produced annually and the Upper Austrian companies account for a quarter of the annual turn-over of the Austrian solar industry of about 121 million € and are securing around 450 jobs

As a result of the promotion activities, more than 100 large-scale solar thermal systems have been installed in public institutions and companies totalling more than 3,500 m2 collectors.

The awareness raising activities are also responded by the population, a recent opinion poll among 500 Upper Austrian citizens showed the image of solar thermal collectors is very good:

• 93% believe solar collectors to be environmentally friendly

• 75% that they are convenient

• 54% in general could imagine to use them

• the only advantage is seen in the high price.

The example of O. O. Energiesparverband and Upper Austria clearly demonstrates that a lot can be done at a regional level, provided the necessary political backing is given and a comprehensive action plan including information and promotion programmes is carried out.