Nature blesses Vorarlberg, the Austrian province in whose southernmost tip the Montafon region is located, with renewable hydropower every day, which is used responsibly by illwerke vkw, the largest energy supply and energy services company in Vorarlberg – for the benefit of people and the environment. The sustainable expansion of hydropower is a decisive step towards energy autonomy in Vorarlberg.
With the construction of the first large hydropower plants in Montafon, the energy service provider laid the foundation for Vorarlberg's independent energy policy. Today, the focus is once again on the future of energy, which calls for innovative ideas and measures.
From the process and monitoring, to sectors and beacons, to current priorities.
Vorarlberg and its individual regions, such as Montafon, have set themselves the ambitious goal of becoming energy self-sufficient by 2050. Energy autonomy in Vorarlberg is a process initiated by the provincial government to shape a sustainable energy supply for the future. The goal is for Vorarlberg to generate as much energy from renewable sources as it consumes by 2050. Considerable progress is already visible, including a 25% increase in wood energy and the construction of new hydroelectric power plants.
Mission Zero Silbertal: flagship project for climate protection
The municipality of Silbertal in Montafon is a pioneer in climate neutrality. Large-scale photovoltaic systems, electric mobility and other measures reduce CO2 emissions and set new standards in sustainable living.
Mission Zero Silbertal
Originally, the Earth's atmosphere was hot due to high greenhouse gas concentrations... too hot for life. Plants and bacteria removed CO2 from the air and lowered the temperature. Over thousands of years, these plants were transformed into coal, oil and natural gas beneath the Earth's surface – our main sources of energy in recent decades.
When fossil fuels are burned, this CO2 is released back into the atmosphere. The result is a drastic rise in temperature and catastrophic consequences for the ecosystem.
We must ensure that the remaining oil stays inside the Earth.
‘Silbertal demonstrates how the transition away from fossil fuels can work in rural areas.’
Thomas Zudrell Mayor of Silbertal
e5 parishes
Vandans and Gaschurn-Partenen
Active for an energy-efficient future
The e5 state programme was launched in 1998 by the Vorarlberg Energy Institute to provide long-term support to municipalities that want to go above and beyond the usual measures to promote climate protection and energy efficiency. As part of this programme, numerous municipalities are already working intensively to promote renewable energies and sustainable mobility.
The programme activates local stakeholders, thereby strengthening the municipality's own infrastructure, innovative image, location and regional economy. Over 500 team members are working to shape a sustainable future.
Naturwärme Montafon: Sustainable heat supply from regional resources
The biomass heating plant at Naturwärme Montafon uses regional wood chips, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. This innovative heat supply secures regional added value and offers an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
Illwerke VKW: Tradition and innovation in hydropower
Illwerke VKW has been a pioneer in hydropower for 100 years. Its storage power stations in Montafon make an essential contribution to the region's energy supply and offer a fascinating experience centre on the topics of energy, the environment and technology in the energie.raum Partenen.
