oekostrom AG Launches Agri-PV Hybrid Power Plant In Parndorf

oekostrom AG, the German energy cooperative Green Planet Energy eG, and Hartberg Municipal Utilities are breaking ground on one of Austria's most innovative energy projects: A photovoltaic plant is being built in Parndorf, Burgenland, that will enable agricultural use and be connected to the infrastructure of an existing wind farm. With a capacity of 17 MWp, the plant will supply approximately 6,320 households with clean, regionally generated electricity starting in January 2026. 

What makes this flagship project special is the combination of several technologies: photovoltaics for renewable power generation, agricultural use, and a modern battery storage system that ensures renewable energy is available when needed. The facility will be connected to the neighboring Parndorf wind farm operated by oekostrom AG, optimally leveraging synergies in infrastructure and land use. Furthermore, agri-PV enables dual use of valuable land. In the future, sheep will take care of the green spaces between the solar modules – an ecologically sound approach to promoting biodiversity. The wind farm is being implemented by oekostrom AG, the German energy cooperative Green Planet Energy eG, and the Hartberg municipal utility company.

"This project is a true milestone. It demonstrates how we can combine renewable energies in a technologically, ecologically, and economically viable way. With this hybrid plant, oekostrom AG is creating security of supply and regional added value in the best sense," emphasizes Jan Häupler, member of the oekostrom AG Board of Management. Christoph Grosssteiner, Managing Director of oekostrom Produktions GmbH, adds: "Hybrid power plants are considered particularly promising because wind and solar power complement each other well – when there is little sun, there is often plenty of wind, and vice versa."

Julian Tiencken, Managing Director of Green Planet Projects: "The special design with solar-tracking photovoltaic modules enables the generation profile to be optimized and better matched to consumption. This is particularly important in times of increasingly negative electricity prices due to solar peaks. The construction over the existing grid connection point is also groundbreaking, allowing us to utilize synergies and save costs. We would like to see this pragmatism in Germany as well."

Christoph Ehrenhöfer, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Hartberg, adds: "We share with oekostrom AG the commitment to shaping the future of energy responsibly. This is an absolute showcase project with outstanding multiple uses and complementary energy production throughout the day and year."

The energy of the future is growing in Parndorf
Burgenland Governor Hans Peter Doskozil: "In Burgenland, we are proud that we are tackling and implementing renewable energy. We have been a model region for wind energy for over 25 years, and we are currently becoming a model region for solar energy. On roofs, on land, and ideally, as with this system, as agri-photovoltaics combined with sustainable, organic farming. We are a region that demonstrates that the energy transition is possible with the environment, not at its expense."

State Councilor Daniela Winkler: "With this agri-PV plant in Parndorf, we are setting another milestone on our path to climate neutrality by 2030. We are using our land intelligently, producing clean electricity, and increasing Burgenland's energy independence. We can already cover 70% of our energy needs through our own production – and we're getting even stronger. This is the energy transition in action in Burgenland."

Mayor Wolfgang Kovacs: "Parndorf has stood for future-oriented regional development for years, and this project fits seamlessly into this strategy. It combines climate protection, innovation, and agricultural use in an exemplary manner. I am particularly pleased that our community is setting a good example and actively contributing to the energy transition."

"Especially for a pioneering project like this, strong partners and close coordination at all levels, from the community to technology to agriculture, are needed. The good cooperation here in Parndorf shows how much is possible when everyone pulls together," says Peter Kuntner, PV project developer at oekostrom AG.

For more information, visit oekostrom.at