These ‘smart urban isle’ units aim to create small local energy networks that can potentially support hundreds of buildings. The new smart city will be powered by a number of smaller, decentralised energy production points, supplying power to bioclimatic buildings that are designed to consume less energy.
Until recently, Güssing suffered from high rates of unemployment and was one of the poorest towns in Austria. Now the town has undergone significant change as a consequence of its commitment to renewable energy sources over fossil fuels. The main sources of energy now are solar power and biomass. The efficient CHP (combined heat and power) biomass plant converts local waste oil and natural products into gas, which powers the city and feeds the national grid. The town aims to be completely self sufficient in the near future.
For a wider perspective, see this document by the International Energy Agency
Contributed by: Joseph Ridealgh
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