An Austrian First: W.E.B Leases Wind Park to Energy Community

EEG Waldviertel Mitte and W.E.B Windenergie AG are making energy history: W.E.B is leasing an entire wind park near Grafenschlag to the regional energy community.

The Waldviertel Mitte energy community (EEG)has leased the Grafenschlag I wind park from W.E.B Windenergie AG. This marks the first time a regional energy community in Austria, , has taken over an entire wind park to make the electricity it generates available to its approximately 700 members.

The wind park, which has been in operation since 1997, consists of two wind turbines with a combined capacity of 1.2 MW. W.E.B will remain on board as the technical partner, ensuring the continued operation of the turbines.

Regionally Generated Electricity for the Region

EEG Waldviertel Mitte is a regional energy community centered around the Zwettl substation, with approximately 700 members and more than 1,000 metering points. Around 5,500 kWh of electricity is shared within the community every day.

By taking over Grafenschlag I, the community is taking a major step forward: It will now source electricity from a power plant that it leases itself. The EEG intends to use the electricity generated by the wind park within the community and make it available to its members.

“We are delighted to have found a partner in EEG Waldviertel Mitte that is joining us in exploring new approaches to a renewable and regional energy supply,” says W.E.B Executive Board member Roman Prager.

A First for an Energy Community

The lease of Grafenschlag I marks a milestone: For the first time in Austria, an energy community is taking over an existing wind park under a lease agreement. This creates a model that brings electricity generation and consumption closer together within the region.

“By leasing the wind park, we are increasing the supply of renewable electricity within our energy community. Our goal is to use as much of the energy generated here as possible together within the region,” explains Klaus Binder, Chairman of the EEG.

Joining Is Easy—and It Pays Off

Anyone whose metering point is connected to the Zwettl substation can become a member of the EEG. Membership involves no risk and can be paused or canceled online from home with just a few clicks. However one thing is certain: The electricity costs less.

Now that the wind turbines are part of the EEG, the community can also supply larger consumers, such as businesses. In addition, the wind turbines complement the solar PV systems already integrated into the energy community: Unlike PV installations, the wind turbines can also generate electricity at night and during the winter months.

Nearly 30 Years of Wind Energy Experience

The wind park’s two Vestas V44 turbines have been in operation since 1997 and continue to operate reliably. In July 2026, the turbines generated 102,516 kWh of renewable electricity.

While responsibility for using the electricity generated by the wind park now lies with the EEG, W.E.B remains responsible for the ongoing technical operation of the turbines. The partnership thus combines regional use of renewable electricity with W.E.B’s extensive experience in operating wind energy facilities.