Citizen Info Day in the Waldviertel: Pernegg Focuses on Dialogue About Wind Power

11/2025 - Back to overview

v.l.n.r: Therese Guttmann (GUSTA), Bürgermeister Andreas Nendwich, Vize Cornelia Weiß, Linda Hofbauer (W.E.B), Johannes Stacher (Windkraft Simonsfeld) und Richard Schedl (EVN, von links). Foto: Thomas Weikertschläger — From left to right: Therese Guttmann (GUSTA), Mayor Andreas Nendwich, Deputy Mayor Cornelia Weiß, Linda Hofbauer (W.E.B), Johannes Stacher (Windkraft Simonsfeld), and Richard Schedl (EVN). Photo: Thomas Weikertschläger.

How can a municipality shape its energy future? A project group of 20 citizens will explore this question and develop ideas on how a wind farm could be implemented in the community of Pernegg in Lower Austria. For the kickoff, many residents accepted the municipality’s invitation to a citizen info day to learn in depth about the opportunities, challenges, and conditions surrounding wind power.

Experts from W.E.B, EVN Naturkraft, and Windkraft Simonsfeld were available for detailed conversations with visitors. Interested residents were able to learn about technical details, ask specific questions, and share their personal views on renewable energy.

Kickoff to an Open Public Participation Process
The strong interest made one thing clear: renewable energy is a topic that matters to people in Pernegg. The info day marked the start of a transparent participation process in which citizens and the municipality will work together to determine under what conditions wind power can be sensibly implemented in the community.

Wind Power Planning Workshop Starts in 2026
A key element is the Wind Power Planning Workshop Pernegg. From January to March 2026, around 20 selected citizens of different ages and with differing positions on wind power will meet several times to discuss:

Possible locations
Design and integration into the landscape
Regional benefits
Technical, ecological, and social aspects

The process will be scientifically supported by the company GUSTA under the leadership of climate economist Sigrid Stagl. This is intended to ensure a fair, transparent, and clearly understandable procedure.

Stagl emphasizes: “Wind power is not only a technical issue, but also a social one.” Early involvement of the people affected and open discussion with them builds trust — and that trust is the key to successful energy transition projects.

Municipality Sees Major Opportunities for Pernegg
Mayor Andreas Nendwich sums up the core of the project: “Wind power offers our community great opportunities — environmentally, economically, and socially.”

A Shared Path Toward a Sustainable Future
W.E.B welcomes the fact that Pernegg is committed to openness, exchange, and active participation. The energy transition is a joint project of municipalities, companies, and the people on the ground.