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WIENER STADTWERKE GmbH

WSTW

Wiener Stadtwerke is a major Austrian municipal utility provider for energy, transport, and infrastructure.

Lobbying Activity

Wiener Stadtwerke urges funding for durable transport materials

13 Jan 2026
Topic — This consultation addresses measures to strengthen EU capacities and autonomy in advanced materials.
Message — The group requests funding for pilot projects to test vandalism-resistant materials under real conditions. They also advocate for 3D printing and innovative batteries for fleet decarbonization.123
Why — These materials would lower maintenance expenses and extend the lifespan of public transport infrastructure.45
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Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG and

12 Dec 2025 · Energiepolitik

Wiener Stadtwerke urges realistic gas and recycling taxonomy criteria

5 Dec 2025
Topic — The initiative reviews the EU taxonomy environmental delegated act to update and simplify technical criteria.
Message — The group requests lowering the required recycling rate for construction waste to 40-55%. They seek adjusted emission limits for gas plants to accommodate countries without coal power. Clearer distinctions between manufacturer and operator responsibilities are also demanded.123
Why — This would reduce investment risks and clarify responsibilities for buying industrial equipment.45
Impact — Environmental organizations lose if lower recycling targets and gas emission standards are adopted.6
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Meeting with Angelika Winzig (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Nov 2025 · Meeting with representatives of Wiener Stadtwerke

Meeting with Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Nov 2025 · The phase-out of gas in Vienna and the development of innovative alternative projects

Vienna Infrastructure Giant Backs Open Parcel Locker Systems

14 Nov 2025
Topic — EU proposal to modernize postal and parcel delivery services across member states.
Message — The organization requests EU-level promotion of open-access parcel box systems that allow direct addressing without redirection. They advocate for harmonized addressing standards and regulatory recognition of white-label parcel boxes as discrimination-free infrastructure accessible to all delivery operators.123
Why — This would enable their city logistics business to expand services efficiently across Europe.45
Impact — Exclusive parcel locker operators lose market advantage from proprietary infrastructure systems.67
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Meeting with Christof Lessenich (Head of Unit Energy)

14 Nov 2025 · exchange ideas on the EU energy market design in the context of the Affordable Energy Action Plan, including the implementation of the existing internal electricity and gas market rules and the next steps at EU level and nationally in Austria

Meeting with Anna Colucci (Director Competition) and

13 Nov 2025 · Energy policy

Vienna utility urges continued EU funding for urban transport and energy networks

28 Oct 2025
Topic — EU's next long-term budget for infrastructure, cohesion, agriculture, and regional development 2028-2034.
Message — Wiener Stadtwerke requests continued eligibility of urban nodes in CEF Transport funding beyond 2027, inclusion of distribution networks in CEF Energy, and continuation of alternative fuels infrastructure funding. They argue Vienna's strategic position justifies support and warn that excluding urban projects would undermine EU transport and decarbonization goals.123
Why — This would secure continued EU subsidies for their urban transit, electricity distribution, and charging infrastructure investments.456
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Meeting with Hubert Gambs (Deputy Director-General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

14 Oct 2025 · Clean Industrial Deal, simplification efforts, current projects by Wiener Stadtwerke

Meeting with Bruno Tobback (Member of the European Parliament)

14 Oct 2025 · Powering Europe's Future

Meeting with Sven Gentner (Head of Unit Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union)

14 Oct 2025 · CSRD/ESRS

Meeting with Andreas Schieder (Member of the European Parliament)

14 Oct 2025 · Exchange of views

Wiener Stadtwerke urges grid expansion and district heating inclusion

9 Oct 2025
Topic — EU plan to increase electrification for decarbonization and renewable energy adoption.
Message — The organization welcomes electrification efforts but requests that grid expansion, controllability, and flexibility integration be considered in the plan. They call for a holistic approach that includes existing decarbonization options, particularly district heating.12
Why — This would protect their district heating infrastructure investments and business model.3
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Wiener Stadtwerke calls for district heating as flexibility backbone

6 Oct 2025
Topic — EU strategy on decarbonising heating and cooling in buildings and industry.
Message — The organization requests faster permitting for district heating infrastructure, financial support for waste heat recovery, and electricity grid tariff reforms. They argue district heating networks should be recognized as flexible energy assets that stabilize grids and reduce costs.123
Why — This would reduce their electricity costs and improve returns on district heating investments.45
Impact — Gas network operators lose as local distribution networks face gradual decommissioning in clean heat zones.6
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Vienna utility backs EU nature credits with call for practical framework

30 Sept 2025
Topic — European Commission roadmap on introducing nature credits to fund biodiversity measures.
Message — The organization requests uniform EU-wide standards, clear certification, and simplified procedures that allow municipal utilities to participate. They want existing projects like ecological enhancements around solar installations to be eligible for credits, and urban biodiversity measures to be recognized alongside agricultural approaches.1234
Why — This would enable them to monetize biodiversity work already underway at infrastructure sites.56
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Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and EPIA SolarPower Europe and

26 Sept 2025 · Energy policy

Meeting with Andreas Schieder (Member of the European Parliament) and Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies and ÖBB-Holding AG

25 Sept 2025 · Lunchdebate

Wiener Stadtwerke urges exemption for local rail from through-ticketing rules

22 Sept 2025
Topic — EU proposal to extend passenger rights protections to combined rail tickets across operators.
Message — The organization requests that local and suburban rail services remain exempt from through-ticketing requirements. They argue that urban transit operates differently from long-distance rail, with high frequency, short distances, zone-based tickets, and no seat reservations. Austria currently exempts suburban railways like Wiener Lokalbahnen from through-ticket rules, and this exemption must be preserved.1234
Why — This would avoid disproportionately high costs for smaller rail operators without providing value to commuters.5
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Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and E.ON SE and Edison Spa

17 Sept 2025 · Energy policy

Wiener Stadtwerke urges flexibility in phosphorus recycling rules

16 Sept 2025
Topic — Evaluation of EU rules on fertilising products made from secondary materials.
Message — The organization requests two key changes: allowing reduced incineration temperatures below 850°C when authorized by national authorities, and permitting substitution of heating oil with waste oil as auxiliary fuel under controlled conditions. They argue current rules are more restrictive than existing EU waste law.123
Why — This would reduce their fossil fuel use and lower sewage sludge treatment costs.45
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Wiener Stadtwerke challenges EU limits on mixed CO2 stream accounting

16 Sept 2025
Topic — EU certification framework for permanent carbon removal activities including carbon capture and storage.
Message — The organization requests that biogenic CO2 from mixed streams be treated separately through mass balance accounting, similar to renewable gas networks. They argue the current requirement to maintain biogenic/fossil ratios prevents full decarbonization and blocks viable business models.123
Why — This would enable flexible business models and higher revenues from carbon removal compared to ETS prices.45
Impact — Chemical industry loses access to 40 million tons of biogenic CO2 needed for decarbonization.67
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Wiener Stadtwerke Urges Exemptions for Specialized Corporate Fleet Vehicles

8 Sept 2025
Topic — Consultation on setting minimum zero-emission requirements for European corporate vehicle fleets.
Message — Wiener Stadtwerke requests "clearly defined exemptions" for heavy vehicles that are not easily replaceable. They argue new rules must not increase paperwork or contradict current directives. They seek "long-term tax incentives" until 2035 to ensure "business planning" stability.1234
Why — Exempting specialized trucks avoids high costs and preserves operational reliability.5
Impact — Broad exemptions for heavy service vehicles could hinder urban emission reduction goals.6
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Wiener Stadtwerke urges EU to prioritize urban public transport

4 Sept 2025
Topic — Strategic framework for decarbonizing EU transport sectors through public and private investment roadmaps.
Message — The organization requests that urban public transport and local rail be included in the investment framework. They advocate for a modal shift from private cars to transit and funding for hydrogen-powered buses.12
Why — This would secure crucial EU financial support for upgrading local bus fleets.3
Impact — The aviation industry may lose subsidies as funds shift toward public transit.4
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Wiener Stadtwerke backs EU climate target of 90 percent

3 Sept 2025
Topic — The initiative proposes amending the European Climate Law with a 2040 target.
Message — The group supports the ninety percent emissions reduction target for 2040. They request that green hydrogen be recognized as a key technology. They prioritize local emission reductions over using international carbon credits.1234
Why — This provides political support and potential funding for their local infrastructure investments.56
Impact — International carbon market developers face reduced demand due to the focus on local reductions.78
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Wiener Stadtwerke urges aligned climate rules and infrastructure funding

3 Sept 2025
Topic — This initiative creates a framework to help Member States manage increasing climate risks.
Message — The group requests that assessments match existing corporate reporting rules to avoid administrative duplication. They also advocate for significant EU funding for infrastructure in the next budget.123
Why — This would lower compliance costs and provide financial support for climate-proofing their networks.45
Impact — Other EU policy programs could see reduced budget allocations to prioritize infrastructure investments.6
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Wiener Stadtwerke urges EU to share CO2 pipeline investment risks

2 Sept 2025
Topic — This initiative aims to establish competitive markets and transportation infrastructure for carbon dioxide.
Message — They want member states to share investment risks and provide financial security for emitters. They suggest a flat tariff system based on volume rather than distance for landlocked regions. They also call for faster permitting and standardized CO2 purity requirements across networks.12
Why — Shifting financial risk to the state would reduce the company's significant investment burden.3
Impact — Coastal regions and emitters near storage sites would lose the advantage of proximity.4
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Wiener Stadtwerke Urges Fair Returns and Reduced Regulatory Uncertainty for Grid Investments

4 Aug 2025
Topic — EU regulation on upgrading, digitalising and expanding European electricity and hydrogen grid infrastructure.
Message — The organisation requests a regulatory framework that provides DSOs with fair economic returns on proactive investments covering both operational and capital expenditure. They call for improved permitting processes through full digitalisation, one-stop shops and simplified procedures. They emphasise the need for DSOs to be actively involved in grid planning processes.1234
Why — This would enable them to invest proactively without regulatory disincentives on operational costs.56
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Meeting with Elisabeth Grossmann (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Jul 2025 · informal exchange

Meeting with Andreas Schieder (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Jul 2025 · Exchange of views

Wiener Stadtwerke urges increased budget for EU Innovation Fund

8 Jul 2025
Topic — Evaluation of the EU Innovation Fund's operations and future funding strategy.
Message — Wiener Stadtwerke calls for the fund to continue with increased budget allocation. They request that carbon capture support include transport costs for landlocked countries. They also seek targeted aid for regions with low renewable energy.123
Why — These changes would reduce financial risks for their infrastructure projects and offset geographical disadvantages.45
Impact — Projects in regions with abundant renewable energy would lose their current competitive advantage.6
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Wiener Stadtwerke opposes isolated carbon costs for waste incineration

6 Jul 2025
Topic — The EU is reviewing whether to include waste incineration in the emissions market.
Message — The company opposes taxing waste incineration in isolation, calling for a comprehensive sector-wide strategy. They demand recognition for carbon removal technologies and financial support for CO2 transport infrastructure.123
Why — Avoiding these costs protects their facilities from competition with cheaper, dirtier landfills.4
Impact — The environment loses if higher costs drive waste toward more polluting disposal methods.5
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Wiener Stadtwerke advocates for sovereign European cloud and AI

3 Jul 2025
Topic — The consultation aims to triple European cloud and AI infrastructure capacity.
Message — WSTW requests sovereign cloud solutions that process data exclusively in Europe. They demand mandatory security certifications and interoperability to avoid vendor lock-in. Finally, they advocate for open-source AI models to enable local customization.12
Why — This would improve operational security and minimize reliance on international providers.34
Impact — Non-European providers lose market share as the EU favors sovereign infrastructure.5
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Meeting with Patrick Lobis (Head of Representation Communication)

25 Jun 2025 · Cooperation on visits and EU projects

Wiener Stadtwerke recommends fewer notifications during electricity provider switches

17 Jun 2025
Topic — The Commission is establishing data interoperability rules for switching electricity suppliers.
Message — Wiener Stadtwerke recommends that separate notifications only occur if a switch fails. They argue that these intermediate steps cause confusion rather than clarity for customers.12
Why — This would reduce administrative costs and prevent unnecessary customer service inquiries.34
Impact — Consumers lose step-by-step transparency regarding the technical verification of their switch.
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Meeting with Pierre Schellekens (Director Energy)

2 Jun 2025 · Exchange of views on the Commission’s priorities, capacity mechanisms, REPowerEU and the phase out of Russian gas and the decarbonisation of the heating and cooling sector

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e. V. and

23 May 2025 · EU Energiepolitik

Wiener Stadtwerke Urges Fund Extension and Inclusion of Ukraine

12 May 2025
Topic — The consultation evaluates the operating rules of the EU Modernisation Fund climate initiative.
Message — Wiener Stadtwerke requests that available funds be fully allocated to renewables and priority projects. They advocate for streamlining application processes and extending the fund's scope to Ukraine.123
Why — Clearer rules would help the company cover the costs of large energy projects.4
Impact — Complex application processes and slow grant times deter potential applicants from submitting projects.5
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Wiener Stadtwerke backs reporting relief while warning against standards dilution

18 Mar 2025
Topic — The Commission is amending Taxonomy Delegated Acts to simplify reporting for European companies.
Message — They support reporting simplifications but demand clear definitions for materiality thresholds. They also request using existing certifications and applying new rules only to new acquisitions.12
Why — Clearer rules and existing audits would lower reporting effort and administrative costs.3
Impact — Companies already invested in compliance lose if new rules undermine their previous efforts.4
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Meeting with Evelyn Regner (Member of the European Parliament)

12 Mar 2025 · General Exchange of Views

Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Mar 2025 · Exchange on Expectations on the new legislative term

Response to Implementing Act on non-price criteria in renewable energy auctions

21 Feb 2025

The Wiener Stadtwerke Group welcomes the public consultation on the Implementing Act on non-price criteria. Please find attached our feedback.
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Wiener Stadtwerke demands digital sovereignty and flexible market rules

31 Jan 2025
Topic — The consultation focuses on deepening the EU single market for global competitiveness.
Message — The group advocates for digital independence through a sovereign European cloud. They also request balanced AI regulation and flexible rules for urban transport.123
Why — Customized transport regulations would reduce their operational and compliance costs.4
Impact — Non-European technology providers may face restricted market access due to sovereignty goals.5
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Meeting with Anna Stürgkh (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

30 Jan 2025 · INI Report on grids

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and EPIA SolarPower Europe and

24 Jan 2025 · Energiepolitik

Meeting with Günther Sidl (Member of the European Parliament) and VERBUND AG and Österreichs E-Wirtschaft

16 Jan 2025 · General Exchange of Views

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e. V. and

6 Dec 2024 · Energiepolitik

Meeting with Alexander Bernhuber (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Nov 2024 · Kreislaufwirtschaft, ETS, künftige Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der EU

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Nov 2024 · Energiepolitik

Meeting with Lukas Mandl (Member of the European Parliament)

14 Nov 2024 · Measures for lower energy prices

Meeting with Evelyn Regner (Member of the European Parliament)

14 Nov 2024 · General exchange of views

Meeting with Hannes Heide (Member of the European Parliament)

13 Nov 2024 · General exchange of views

Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament)

13 Nov 2024 · Exchange on Grids, hydrogen and Geothermal

Wiener Stadtwerke urges renovation lending support for transport infrastructure

5 Nov 2024
Topic — The Commission is establishing a voluntary lending framework for energy performance renovations.
Message — The organization supports measures that strengthen renovation lending to achieve climate targets. They propose expanding support to include transport companies with large, diverse building portfolios.12
Why — Broadening the scope helps the utility renovate its specialized transport buildings efficiently.3
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Wiener Stadtwerke urges pragmatic rules for low-carbon fuel certification

24 Oct 2024
Topic — EU consultation on a methodology to calculate greenhouse gas savings for low-carbon fuels.
Message — The organization proposes that a 70% emission saving remain the primary criterion for low-carbon fuel compliance. They suggest using project-specific values for upstream emissions to incentivize efficiency and promote better emission balances. Furthermore, they advocate for abolishing additionality requirements and maintaining monthly correlation to accelerate the hydrogen market.123
Why — Simplified rules would reduce hydrogen production costs and lower financial risks for infrastructure investments.45
Impact — The renewable energy sector might face slower capacity growth if additionality requirements are removed.6
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Meeting with Matthias Ecke (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Oct 2024 · Energieinfrastruktur

Response to Minimum requirements for certification programmes and training attestations of air-co systems in certain vehicles

14 Oct 2024

Die Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH begrüßt die Möglichkeit zur Kommentierung des Entwurfs der Überarbeitung der Durchführungsverordnung und empfiehlt eine Anpassung von Artikel 6. Dieser geht nur auf existierende Zertifikate gemäß (EC) 307/2008 betreffend Klimaanlagen in Kfz ein. Es sollten aber jedenfalls auch andere existierende Kältetechnik-Zertifikate anerkannt und nochmalige Schulung bereits erhaltener grundsätzlicher Ausbildungsinhalte vermieden werden.
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Response to Update of minimum requirements for certification programmes for switchgear

14 Oct 2024

Die Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH begrüßt, dass EU-weit einheitliche Anforderungen an die Schulung von Personal für den Umgang mit F-Gasen formuliert werden. Für die folgenden beiden Artikel des Entwurfs der überarbeiteten Durchführungsverordnung schlagen wir jedoch Anpassungen vor: Zu Art. 1 Abs. 2.: Tätigkeiten in zugehörigen Herstellerwerken sollten von den Zertifizierungsanforderungen nicht, wie bisher, ausgenommen werden, um die Ziele der Durchführungsverordnung einheitlich zu erreichen. Zu Art. 7, Abs. 1: Laut der vorgeschlagenen Änderung der Durchführungsverordnung sollen nun auch in einem (bisher freiwilligen und theoretischen) Auffrischungskurs die praktischen Fähigkeiten des zertifizierten Personals ebenso überprüft werden. Wir schlagen vor, bei Auffrischungsprüfungen auf die Pflicht zu einer erneuten praktischen Prüfung zu verzichten, da sich die grundlegenden Tätigkeiten im Umgang mit den F-Gasen nicht verändern. Dies sollte in Artikel 7 der Durchführungsverordnung klargestellt werden.
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Response to Revision of the electricity guideline on forward capacity allocation.

30 Sept 2024

Die Wiener Stadtwerke begrüßen grundsätzlich die Initiative der Europäischen Kommission zur Überarbeitung der FCA-Leitlinie (Verordnung (EU) 2016/1719), die darauf abzielt, den Strommarkt effektiver und widerstandsfähiger gegenüber Preisrisiken zu gestalten. Insbesondere die jüngste Energiekrise hat die Notwendigkeit von Reformen deutlich gemacht, um die Versorgungssicherheit und Bezahlbarkeit der Energieversorgung für Endkund*innen zu gewährleisten. Die Überarbeitung der Leitlinie sollte die Marktliquidität verbessern und den Zugang zu Absicherungsinstrumenten für alle Marktteilnehmer, einschließlich kleinerer Gebotszonen, erleichtern. Maßnahmen, die eine stärkere Einbindung erneuerbarer Energien in das bestehende System sichern und die Weitergabe von Kostensenkungen in der Erzeugung von erneuerbaren Energien direkt an die Endkund*innen fördern, sind jedenfalls zu unterstützen. Anbei finden Sie unsere ausführlichere Stellungnahme.
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Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Sept 2024 · Expectations on the new European Commission with regard to Energy/Grid development/Heating and cooling and geothermal Energy

Meeting with Angelika Winzig (Member of the European Parliament) and VERBUND AG and Österreichs E-Wirtschaft

25 Sept 2024 · Meeting with representatives of Österreichs Energie, Wiener Stadtwerke and Verbund

Response to Interim evaluation of the Connecting Europe Facility 2021-2027

24 Sept 2024

Thank you for the opportunity to give Feedback on this important Funding Programme. Wiener Stadtwerke is the most important infrastructure service provider in the greater Vienna area and one of Austria's largest employers and investors. Being a diverse and future-orientated industrial and service group in the energy, transport and digital sectors we are pioneers in many areas in Europe. It is precisely in these sectors that we have the greatest leverage to reduce greenhouse gases and offer affordable services in a strong and resilient Europe. In the coming years in particular, stable and accessible investments in the energy and rail infrastructure as well as public services in general are the key to a future-proof, climate-neutral and resilient energy and transport system and therefore need specific Infrastructure Funding Programmes like CEF to successfully master the transition. CEF is a key funding instrument of the European Green Deal and essential for achieving the European Union's climate targets for 2030 and 2050 and the only EU funding Programme that supports investments in the construction of transport infrastructure and finances large-scale network infrastructure. Therefore, we strongly believe that this Programme is crucial and should be continued after 2027, with an even higher budget to meet the investment needs of the important policy goals. Please find our detailled explanations, experiences and recommendations for the future of the CEF Programme attached. We are at your disposal for further discussions or queries at any time.
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Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and RWE AG and

13 Sept 2024 · Energiepolitik - allgemein

Response to Rules specifying the obligations laid down in Articles 21(5) and 23(11) of the NIS 2 Directive

25 Jul 2024

Die Wiener Stadtwerke Gruppe bedankt sich für die Gelegenheit zur Einreichung einer Stellungnahme, die Sie anbei finden können.
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Wiener Stadtwerke urges support for non-permanent carbon capture

16 Jul 2024
Topic — Establishing criteria for permanently chemically binding carbon emissions into products.
Message — The group requests new rules to support non-permanent carbon capture for chemicals and plastics. They argue the current system unfairly penalizes recycled carbon while favoring fossil fuels. They also propose better recognition of waste-to-energy plants.12
Why — This would prevent their waste-to-energy plants from being unfairly charged for carbon that is reused.3
Impact — Fossil fuel producers lose the regulatory advantage they currently hold over recycled carbon alternatives.4
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Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and ENGIE and

11 Jul 2024 · Energiepolitik allgemein

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e. V. and

31 May 2024 · Energiepolitik allgemein

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament)

11 Mar 2024 · Energiepolitik allgemein

Response to Guidance to facilitate the designation of renewables acceleration areas

23 Feb 2024

Die Wiener Stadtwerke begrüßen ausdrücklich die Ausweisung von Beschleunigungsgebieten, in denen vereinfachte Genehmigungsverfahren gelten und Doppelgleisigkeiten durch die Vorprüfung mittels strategischer Umweltprüfung vermieden werden können. Komplexe und langwierige Planungs- und Genehmigungsverfahren sind nach wie vor ein Hindernis für den Einsatz erneuerbarer Energien sowie den damit verbundenen notwendigen Ausbau der Speicher- und Netzinfrastruktur. In Österreich gibt es nach wie vor Bundesländer, die keine Eignungszonen für Windkraft oder PV ausgewiesen haben. Daher begrüßen wir die Unterstützung der Mitgliedsstaaten durch Leitlinien der Europäischen Kommission bei der Ausweisung von Beschleunigungsgebieten. Da große Gefahr besteht, dass die Ausweisung nicht zeitgerecht stattfinden wird, sollte von der Kommission hierauf besonderes Augenmerk gelegt werden und frühzeitig reagiert werden, wenn sich abzeichnet, dass es keine ausreichenden Ausweisungen gibt. Im Konkreten sollte die Regelung zur Festlegung von Schutz- und Minderungsmaßnahmen so ausgestaltet werden, dass die vollziehenden Behörden der Mitgliedstaaten auf der Ebene der Gebietsausweisung lediglich Regeln bzw. Kriterien für Maßnahmen festlegen und ggf. Ausnahmen in Aussicht stellen. Grundsätzlich sollte nicht eine einzelne Maßnahme vorgeschrieben werden, sondern alle Maßnahmen Berücksichtigung finden, die für die jeweils potenziell betroffenen Arten zur Verfügung stehen, einschließlich neuerer Vorgaben und neuer Maßnahmen, die bis zum Genehmigungszeitpunkt vorliegen können. Der Prozess zur Ausweisung von Beschleunigungsgebieten sollte auch in den nationalen Energie- und Klimaplänen integriert sein. Dabei sollte nicht nur der Energie- und Infrastrukturbedarf für 2030 berücksichtigt werden, sondern vorausschauend bereits die Flächen eingeschlossen werden, die mit Blick auf die Zeithorizonte 2040 und 2050 benötigt werden. Die betroffenen Infrastrukturbetreiber müssen von Anfang an in die Prozesse zur Ausweisung von Beschleunigungsgebieten einbezogen werden. Im Widerspruch zur großen Bedeutung und des Potenzials von tiefer Geothermie zur Erreichung der Klimaziele wird diese von den meisten Mitgliedsstaaten wie auch auf EU-Ebene noch nicht ausreichend hervorgehoben. Auch die Leitlinien sollten darauf hinweisen und die Mitgliedsstaaten dazu ermutigen, Potenzialgebiete für Geothermie zu kartieren und Beschleunigungsgebiete für geothermische Energie auszuweisen. Die Erfahrung mit Geothermie zeigt, dass je vertrauter Genehmigungsbehörden mit geothermischen Anwendungen werden, desto effizienter wird auch der Genehmigungsprozess. Es ist entscheidend, zugängliche Informationen über geothermische Anlagen in einer Region zu haben.
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Meeting with Claudia Gamon (Member of the European Parliament)

12 Feb 2024 · PCI List

Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e. V. and

26 Jan 2024 · Energiepolitik allgemein

Meeting with Claudia Gamon (Member of the European Parliament) and Wien Energie GmbH

23 Jan 2024 · Net Zero Industry Act

Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament) and BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e. V. and

12 Jan 2024 · Exchange on industrial and energy policy

Meeting with Thomas Rudner (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Nov 2023 · Ökologisierung im Schienengüterverkehr, zukünftige Initiativen zur Förderung grüner und sozialer Mobilität in Europa, Vorstellung der Wiener Lokalbahnen

Meeting with Evelyn Regner (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Nov 2023 · General Exchange of Views

Meeting with Niels Fuglsang (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Baker Hughes Holdings

10 Oct 2023 · Geotermi

Meeting with Joost Korte (Director-General Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion)

2 Oct 2023 · Local public transport in the European context

Response to Evaluation of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the European Cybersecurity Certification Framework

15 Sept 2023

Die Wiener Stadtwerke Gruppe erbringt wesentliche Dienstleistungen von allgemeinem wirtschaftlichem Interesse (z.B. Energieproduktion und Verteilung, öffentlicher Personennahverkehr etc.) und unterstützen als innovativer öffentlicher Infrastrukturdienstleister die Nutzung neuester Technologien, um den Bürger*innen intelligente und flexible Dienste zur Verfügung zu stellen. Als kritischer Infrastrukturbetreiber der Smart City Wien, halten wir die lebenswerteste Stadt der Welt am Laufen, wodurch das Thema Cybersicherheit besonders wichtig für uns ist und wir uns für die Einbindungsmöglichkeit bedanken. Bezugnehmend auf die Evaluierung von ENISA, hatten wir bisher noch keinen direkten Kontakt zur Agentur, haben aber vor allem im Energiebereich über die Zusammenarbeit in nationalen sowie europäischen Verbände, Organisationen und Netzwerken (zB. CSIRT) einige Berührungspunkte zu ihr und verwenden auch ihre Papiere als Referenzrahmen. An dieser Stelle würden wir uns aufgrund des hohen Cyberrisikos im öffentlichen Verkehrsbereich, welcher mit sensiblen Daten arbeitet, auch stärkere Berührungspunkte dieses Sektors mit ENISA wünschen. Generell würden wir es begrüßen, wenn ENISA auch zukünftig über den Cybersecurity Act ihr Mandat permanent behält und ihr Niveau kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt und jedenfalls nicht reduziert. Auch den Europäischen Rahmen für Cybersicherheitszertifizierung sehen wir als sehr positiv an, da dadurch Standards geschaffen werden, die sich am Markt etablieren (z.B. Security per Design) und so Synergieeffekte für die Marktteilnehmer*innen, wie die Wiener Stadtwerke Gruppe schaffen. Um in Zukunft weitere Resilienz im Bereich der Cybersicherheit aufzubauen, würden wir uns auf europäischer Ebene weitere Schritte der Vereinheitlichung und Hilfestellung wünschen. Unter anderem wäre eine verstärkte Unterstützung bei der Umsetzung der standardisierten Anforderungen an Cloud-Service Provider und deren Dienste (speziell bei globalen Anbietern), für die Integration in bestehende Sicherheitsnetzwerke erforderlich. Darüber hinaus könnte eine Schaffung von standardisierten Ausbildungsmöglichkeiten für Personenzertifizierungen eine Erleichterung für die Einhaltung von europäischen Standards bieten. Dabei könnte auch noch zusätzlich die Schaffung einer europäischen Austauschplattform für IT-Sicherheitsexpert*innen die Synergien und das Wissen innerhalb der EU und den betroffenen Institutionen stärken und so Risiken vorbeugen und schneller behandeln.
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Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e. V. and

5 Sept 2023 · Exchange on the gas market directive (staff level)

Response to Revision of the specifications for EU-wide Multimodal Travel Information Services (Delegated Regulation 2017/1926)

28 Jun 2023

Wiener Stadtwerke Group, with Wiener Linien and Wiener Lokalbahnen as pioneers in the use and sharing of traffic data, welcomes the European Commission's proposal to adapt the provision of EU-wide multimodal travel information services. Providing a clear and common understanding of data specifications in this area is essential for accessible and consistent travel information in the European Union to promote sustainable and smart mobility. Therefore, it is important to bear in mind the definition and role of public transport in the European Green Deal, contextualizing data usage and evaluate the effect of some dynamic data requirements, to not establish an unequal and environmental contradicting market situation. Hence data sharing in line with sustainability goals as well as a just provision of data to establish fair competition should be considered. Data sharing in line with sustainability goals: (Historical Data, Art 3 (1), Art 4 (1) and Art 6 (1)) Regarding the additional requirements for historical data, we would like to point out that a reasonable level of aggregation has to be supported, as all data to be provided has to be physically stored in some location, which puts a strain on storage capacity, which is usually provided by cloud service providers. In order to lessen the burden on the data and service providers and also on the environment, we would oppose to having to provide raw data in this field. (Dynamic travel and traffic data on level of service 3, Art 5 (4) and point 2.3. of the Annex) Wiener Stadtwerke supports that member states may decide on the provision of occupancy information of vehicles, as due to technical reasons this sort of data cannot yet be provided for all operating vehicles. Collecting information technology for every type of vehicle is rare, immature and cost intensive, by not providing accurate and comparable information, which could lead to false expectations followed by disappointment in the use of public transport and an increase of non-sustainable transport modes working against the objective of shifting traffic to more sustainable modes of transport. Furthermore, sharing these data is particularly critical in urban areas and is due to security and safety reasons not recommended for all use cases. Just provision of data to establish fair competition: (Definition of data user and data holder, Art 1 (7) and (11)) To achieve a level playing field between public and private operators, an alignment of the definition of data user and data holder would be necessary, as otherwise data sharing requirements based on the current terminology would lead to uneven competitive conditions. (Trip plan computation, Point 1.1.d of the Annex) This requirement would lead to public transport operators providing routing free of charge for other service operators, while they themselves have to bear high costs for this information from third parties. This is not in the spirit of promoting public transport, which plays an essential role in achieving the goals of the Green Deal. We therefore recommend the use of interfaces.
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Vienna Utility Urges More Ambitious EU Electricity Market Reform

23 May 2023
Topic — EU reform to reduce gas price impact on electricity bills and strengthen market resilience.
Message — The organization argues the proposals are insufficient to sustainably reduce end-customer prices. They call for reforms ensuring lower renewable energy costs reach consumers, state funding for non-cost-efficient climate technologies, and holistic sector coupling across electricity, gas, and heat. They emphasize the need for affordable energy and industrial competitiveness.1234
Why — This would help them keep energy costs lower for their Vienna-area customers while maintaining system profitability.56
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Response to Review of the Broadband Cost Reduction Directive (Directive 2014/61/EU)

16 May 2023

Die Wiener Stadtwerke teilen die Einschätzungen der Europäischen Kommission des steigenden Bedarfs einer schnelleren, zuverlässigeren und datenintensiveren Konnektivität in Europa und unterstützen als innovativer öffentlicher Infrastrukturdienstleister die Nutzung neuester Technologien, um den Bürger*innen intelligente und flexible Dienste zur Verfügung zu stellen. Besonders positiv sehen wir zum Beispiel, dass Glasfaserinfrastruktur in Neubauten bzw. generalsanierten Gebäuden standardmäßig zur errichten ist. Als kritischer Infrastrukturbetreiber der Smart City Wien, halten wir die lebenswerteste Stadt der Welt am Laufen und sind dabei besonders auf die Sicherheit des Betriebes bedacht, welche wir im Zusammenhang mit dem Gigabit-Infrastrukturgesetz mit folgenden Punkten unterstreichen möchten: (1) Stärkung kritischer Infrastruktur durch: - Ergänzung und Vorrang von kritischer Infrastrukturlegislatur wie der Richtlinie zur Netz- und Informationssicherheit (NIS-RL) und dem Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) - Explizite Erwähnung von kritischer Infrastruktur im Legislativtext (Art. 3) (2) Verhältnismäßigkeit bei der Definition von physischer Infrastruktur (Art. 2) (3) Berücksichtigung von Sicherheitsbestimmung und bestehenden Informationsprozessen für die Infrastrukturnutzung (Art. 4) (4) Kompatible Entscheidungsbefugnisse mit dem nationalem Recht (Art. 7-9) Nähere Ausführungen zu den einzelnen Punkten finden sich in dem angehängten Positionspapier, wobei wir auch jederzeit gerne für Gespräche zur Verfügung stehen. Vielen Dank für die Möglichkeit des Feedbacks!
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Meeting with Angelika Winzig (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Wien Energie GmbH

3 May 2023 · Austausch zur Reform des Strommarktdesigns und zum Gigabit Infrastructure Act

Meeting with Claudia Gamon (Member of the European Parliament)

2 May 2023 · Energy

Meeting with Claudia Gamon (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

2 May 2023 · Speaker at panel discussion on european electricity market

Wiener Stadtwerke warns against shortening 30-day payment deadline

17 Mar 2023
Topic — The consultation seeks to revise EU rules on commercial late payments.
Message — The organization requests that the 30-day payment period is not shortened. They argue that large companies need sufficient time for internal audits and multi-person approvals.12
Why — This would allow the firm to avoid restructuring its complex internal payment processes.3
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Response to Revision of technical specification for interoperability relating to the ‘control-command and signalling’ subsystems

27 Jan 2023

Wiener Stadtwerke, together with its group company Wiener Lokalbahnen, which among other things carry out rail freight transport throughout Europe and thus contribute to sustainable freight transport in Europe, would like to thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the revision proposals of the Implementing Regulation on Railway Interoperability - Technical Specification for the Control-Command and Signalling Subsystems. (Art. 2 no. 3) Proposal of introducing a transitional period of three years for existing rolling stock subsystems in the course of renewals or upgrades of Control-Command and Signalling Subsystems With reference to Article 2(3) of the Regulation, in the course of renewals and upgrades, the new TSI is to be applicable in exceptional cases to existing track-side and on-board CCS subsystems. In TSI CCS clause 7.2.2.1, a renewal or upgrade is accompanied by a new authorisation of the vehicle for which the current TSI is applicable. In this case, for example, an upgrade requiring approval, which has no connection to ETCS, may mean that a new ETCS version would have to be implemented on the vehicle side due to the new TSI CCS. Since we do not have our own mainline infrastructure and are therefore dependent on the infrastructure providers, this presents us with particular challenges. For example, ETCS version 3.0 is not backwards compatible according to the Regulation (recital 10), which means that a changeover of the external infrastructure requires an adaptation of the vehicle standards. In the case of a changeover that involves serious adjustments for the infrastructure users, a transition period is necessary to be able to adapt the implementations safely and sustainably. Therefore, we propose a transition period of three years.
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Response to State aid – revision of rules on exemptions for small compensations to services of general economic interest

9 Jan 2023

Die Wiener Stadtwerke und ihre Unternehmen, erbringen wesentliche Dienstleistungen von allgemeinem wirtschaftlichem Interesse (z.B. öffentlicher Personennahverkehr, Gütertransport, Energieversorgung usw) und tragen mit ihren Geschäftsfeldern wesentlich zur Daseinsvorsorge in Wien bei, weshalb wir uns für die Möglichkeit der Stellungnahme bedanken. Ad i) die Höhe des De-minimis-Höchstbetrags für DAWI Aufgrund der stark gestiegenen Preise der letzten Monate, unter anderem getrieben durch die Energiepreise, begrüßen wir die Bestrebung der Europäischen Kommission die Wertgrenzen von De-minimis Beihilfen auch im Bereich der Dienstleistungen von allgemeinem wirtschaftlichem Interesse an die Inflation im Zeitraum 2012 bis 2030 anzupassen und bitten dabei vor allem, die überproportional stark gestiegenen Energiekosten bei energieintensiven Bereichen zu berücksichtigen. Ad ii) die Anpassung bestimmter Begriffe in der De-minimis-Verordnung für DAWI an die allgemeine De-minimis-Verordnung Bezugnehmend auf die Anpassung bestimmter Begriffe an die allgemeine De-minimis Verordnung möchten wir hervorheben, dass wir auch bei der derzeitigen Novellierung der allgemeinen De-minimis VO Verbesserungsbedarf bei Begriffsdefinitionen sehen. Die Regelung in Art 2 Abs 2 der allgemeinen De-minimis VO legt fest, dass Unternehmen, die durch gewisse Leitungs-, Aufsichts-, Kontroll- und/oder Stimmrechte miteinander verbunden sind, als ein einziges Unternehmen gelten. In einer Unternehmensgruppe, welche verschiedenste Dienstleistungen von allgemeinem wirtschaftlichem Interesse in unterschiedlichen Unternehmen erbringen, wird diese Definition zu einer großen Hürde für die Inanspruchnahme von Beihilfen. Bereits bisher war es zum Beispiel den Wiener Linien und den Wiener Lokalbahnen auf Grund dieser Regelung fast nicht möglich bei Förderungen die De-minimis Ausnahme in Anspruch zu nehmen. Auf Grund der derzeitigen Lage, der massiv steigenden Energiepreise und der grundsätzlich sehr hohen Inflation, wäre das überhaupt nicht mehr möglich. Dies würde jedoch die Förderung des Öffentlichen Verkehrs massiv behindern und somit auch die Ziele des Green Deals und der Mobilitätstrategie der Europäischen Kommission konterkarieren. Daher muss hier im Zuge der Novellierung der allgemeinen De-minimis VO zuerst eine Streichung des Art 2 Abs 2 erfolgen, bevor die Begriffe angepasst werden können, um öffentliche Unternehmen der Daseinsvorsorge aufgrund von Unternehmensstrukturen nicht schlechter zu stellen.
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Response to Creation of the Common European Mobility Data Space

7 Dec 2022

Wiener Stadtwerke welcomes the European Commission's idea of a European Mobility Data Space, as this will also place a strong focus on the delivery of e.g. automotive data. A level playing field can be created between public and private mobility stakeholders, which is essential for the entire mobility sector. The mobility companies of Wiener Stadtwerke are Europe-wide pioneers in the use and sharing of mobility data. For example, since 2013, a large amount of static and dynamic mobility data has been made available to the public for reuse via the Open Data Governance of the City of Vienna. At EU level, existing regulations such as the ITS Directive are currently being amended in the area of public passenger and freight transport and new regulations are being issued, e.g. on multimodal digital mobility services. It is therefore important that no unclear and contradictory conditions arise between these regulations and the new mobility data space to be created. As this would lead to disproportionate new burdens on the public transport sector, which is after all the most important stakeholder in achieving the goals of the Green Deal. Therefore, we see the strategy of the EC in creating the Mobility Data Space to take into account already existing legislation in the areas of mobility and data as well as what has already been implemented very positively. The inclusion of the EU Data Strategy and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy is therefore also essential and welcomed. For this reason, it is particularly important that public transport operators, as important stakeholders, are also involved from the beginning in the creation of this mobility data space.
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Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

6 Dec 2022 · Austausch zu Wasserstoff, Methan und F-Gasen

Meeting with Claudia Gamon (Member of the European Parliament)

2 Dec 2022 · Meeting on hydrogen

Meeting with Jens Geier (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e. V. and

31 Aug 2022 · Vorschlag einer Verordnung über die Verringerung von Methanemissionen im Energiesektor

Wiener Stadtwerke warns against rapid SF6 switchgear phase-out

29 Jun 2022
Topic — Review of EU rules on fluorinated greenhouse gases used in cooling and electricity.
Message — The group requests a two-year extension for banning SF6 switchgear to ensure grid stability. They also advocate for continued spare part availability and higher warming potential limits.123
Why — This would protect the utility from high replacement costs and potential service interruptions.45
Impact — Environmental goals are undermined by allowing the continued use of high-emission gases.67
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Meeting with Günther Sidl (Member of the European Parliament) and Wien Energie GmbH

28 Feb 2022 · General Exchange of View; staff level

Response to Multimodal Digital Mobility Services

27 Oct 2021

The mobility cluster of Wiener Stadtwerke Group (Wiener Linien, Wiener Lokalbahnen, Upstream Mobility) support the initiative of the EC on MDMS. The three objectives (1) to provide certainty and transparency for business-to-business commercial agreements for services re-selling mobility products (2) to prevent harmful market effects and (3) to ensure that MDMS enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the transport system are essential for a further development of those mobility services and to make the mobility sector fit for 55. Multimodal digital mobility services and the combination of public transport with this new and sustainable mobility services are essential to reach a higher modal split and the objectives of the Green Deal and the Fit for 55 package. Regarding the three objectives: 1) Provide certainty and transparency for business-to-business commercial agreements for services re-selling mobility products: We support this initiative, and we believe that even minimum requirements for interoperability of ticketing-related APIs should be established under two conditions: 1st the obligation for these requirements must apply to all actors and not only to public transport operators. Such a provision could help public transport operators to easily integrate third mobility providers into their app, i.e. for a fair competition all should have the same obligations. 2nd it is still at the discretion of the service provider if and which tickets he wants to sell via this API. Public transport operators must have the right to only agree on selling a smaller portfolio of products and not the whole panoply. Currently, Wiener Linien offers a B2B interface that enables 3rd parties to sell certain Wiener Linien tickets (such as 24h, 48h, 72h tickets), which are important for tourists. 2) Prevent harmful market effects Public transport operators (PTO) have increasingly developed into mobility designers in their attempt to facilitate and integrate more transport modes within one mobility platform. They have long-standing experience in city- and transport-planning and are capable of integrating new services in all of their digital communication-, marketing- and sales-channels. We believe that being a public transport operator and a digital service provider does not lead to discrimination if the right measures are in place. Thus, we strongly support a fair level playing field in which every service provider has to integrate the same information about other transport providers. It is important that this is done in a non-discriminatory manner and the principle of reciprocity applies. 3) Ensure that MDMS enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the transport system. It is pivotal to show the passengers how they are contributing to the reduction of the CO2 emission, when using public transport and soft modes. For instance, in the Wiener Linien app – Wien Mobil - we already provide different rankings according to different criteria, one among them displays the CO2-emissions. Bottom up not top down: At the same time, local and regional platforms should gradually integrate (bottom-up) as this is in the interests of customers. Any standards arising from this trend are to be welcomed and developments in this direction are already beginning to take place.
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Response to Revision of Non-Financial Reporting Directive

10 Jul 2021

Die Wiener Stadtwerke begrüßen den Vorschlag der Europäischen Kommission zur Nachhaltigkeitsberichterstattung im Rahmen der CSRD-RL als wichtigen Beitrag für eine nachhaltige Finanzierungsstrategie des Green Deals. Die Ausweitung des Geltungsbereichs der CSRD-RL auf nunmehr alle großen Unternehmen (>250 MitarbeiterInnen) wird in den entsprechenden Unternehmen allerdings zu einer Reihe an neuen und mehr Berichtspflichten und damit zu einem höheren (finanziellen und personellen) Ressourcenaufwand führen. Daher ist es wichtig, dass die Vorgaben der CSRD-RL sowie die Anwendung der technischen Prüfkriterien – die teilweise erst in delegierten Rechtsakten erlassen werden müssen - nicht zu komplex gestaltet sind und den Unternehmen ausreichend Zeitraum bei der Umstellung auf die neuen Berichtskriterien eingeräumt wird. Hinsichtlich der konkreten Ausarbeitung sind folgende Punkte zu bedenken: - Ausreichend Übergangsfristen: Den Unternehmen muss ausreichend Zeit bei der Anwendung bzw. Umstellung auf die neuen Berichtspflichten und Kriterien eingeräumt werden. Derzeit erscheinen die Fristen zu kurz gesetzt. So werden gewisse EU-Standards voraussichtlich erst Ende 2022 in delegierten Rechtsakten vorliegen, aber bereits für das Jahr 2023 sollte dann nach diesen Kriterien berichtet werden. Hier wäre es nötig, den Beginn der verpflichtenden Berichterstattung um mindestens ein Jahr nach hinten zu verschrieben, d.h. erst der Bericht über das Geschäftsjahr 2024 sollte nach den neuen Kriterien abgefasst werden. - Übergangszeiträume für die verpflichtende Prüfung durch den Wirtschaftsprüfer: Die delegierten Rechtsakte zu den technischen Prüfkriterien auf Basis der Taxonomie-VO lassen die Komplexität der neu zu prüfenden Kriterien bereits erahnen. Um den Unternehmen ausreichend Zeit für die korrekte Arbeitsweise mit den neuen Kennzahlen zu geben, sollte die vorgesehene Prüfung der nichtfinanziellen Kennzahlen durch einen Wirtschaftsprüfer erst ab dem Bericht für das Geschäftsjahres 2026 verpflichtend werden. - Konzernweite Berichterstattung: Im Sinne der Effizienz ist es wichtig, dass die vorgeschlagene Bestimmung im Kommissionsentwurf erhalten bleibt, dass konzernweites Reporting weiterhin möglich ist (und nicht im anstehenden Gesetzgebungsprozess zwischen Rat und Parlament auf der Strecke bleibt.) - Keine überbordende Berichterstattung: Die einheitliche Gestaltung von Berichtspflichten und Kriterien ist grundsätzlich für die Vergleichbarkeit wichtig und positiv. Allerdings sollte es bei der Anwendung der Prüfkriterien für wirtschaftliche Aktivitäten zu keiner überbordenden Umsetzung kommen. Dies ist v.a. bei der derzeitigen Ausarbeitung der delegierten Rechtsakte im Rahmen der Taxonomie-VO zu beachten (Art.8).
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Response to New EU urban mobility framework

21 May 2021

The mobility cluster of Wiener Stadtwerke Group shares the EC’s views on the importance of making urban mobility more sustainable in order to reach the ambitious European climate targets. However, we believe that the addressed measures are not sufficient to support cities in their respective decarbonisation strategies. Especially one central measure – the expansion and active support for urban public transport - is underrated. Urban public transport (including urban rail) is the best decarbonisation and electrification strategy for cities. Thus, the expansion and active support for public transport is pivotal to reach the European climate targets. Almost all EU-targets that are mentioned as important in the roadmap - such as emissions reduction, improvement of air quality, reduction of congestion etc. - will not be achieved without the expansion of public transport which is expensive. Without adequate support from the European and national level a more sustainable transport in the city is not going to happen. Cities and public transport operators need more support than lip-service in soft policy documents. It is the real “hard legislation” that affects PTOs the most and is, thus, capable of providing change: - Earmarked funds for urban nodes in TEN-T regulation and other funding schemes: We highly support and appreciate the referral in the roadmap to the TEN-T-regulation and the intention to strengthen the role of urban nodes. It is pivotal that more funding is available for realising the “first and last mile”. This can be done by supporting the expansion of public transport, the construction of mobility points or by fostering the emergence of multi-modal platforms which are often run by public transport operators. - Urban mobility data collection: We support the idea of collecting more urban mobility data since this is capable of unveiling the incredible contribution of public transport towards sustainability. In Vienna most of the mentioned data are already collected and they show the following impressive picture: Public transport in Vienna currently comprises 38% of the different means of transport (modal split), with very low energy consumption levels in the transport sector (less than 5%).By the same token, only 6% of total CO2 emissions are attributable to urban transport. - Clear distinction between urban mobility and long-distance transport in legislation: Since (sub-)urban transport is not comparable to long distance-traffic, a distinction has always been made between them in the past. The increasing application of rules for long-distance transport for the urban sectors has to be reconsidered and stopped since it creates unnecessary (financial and administrative) burden with no benefit for the customers. - More inclusion of urban mobility / public transport - also in the digital world: The urban level is often neglected when it comes to discussions regarding the advance of digitalisation and automation in the transport sector. New developments in the mobility industry, such as autonomous driving and connected vehicles, should not only be confined to cars but should also encompass collective transport solutions. It is important for the urban component to be included when rules for the future of connected and automated transport are drafted. - A fair level-playing field for data sharing and mobility platforms for private and public actors (ITS-directive, Open Data Directive): Please find attached a more comprehensive paper on the subject.
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Response to Revision of EU rules on Gas

10 Mar 2021

Although the roadmap broadly addresses the right questions, it omits to include the relevance of the local level and the role of gas DSOs in the transition. We will mainly comment on two of the four questions raised by the EC: 1. How should the hydrogen infrastructure and market be regulated in the future and which role should (gas) TSOs / DSOs play? In general, we miss the inclusion of the local perspective. Especially when it comes to hydrogen the focus is mainly / only on TSOs and big industrial installations. This approach neglects the importance of hydrogen applications at the local level including blending and retrofitting of gas distribution grids as well as making combined heat and power plants (CHP) hydrogen-ready. More and more hydrogen applications are tested and developed at the local level which will help to foster Europe’s energy independence and security of supply. Vienna is one example where the roll-out of hydrogen busses for public transport is prepared in joint cooperation between the energy sector (Wien Energie, Wiener Netze) and the public transport operator (Wiener Linien). Hydrogen markets and its infrastructure will incrementally develop in different areas and on different levels which is why a holistic approach is pivotal. - Although repurposing is addressed, the role and expertise of gas DSOs is hardly mentioned. We are confident that the existing technical expertise of gas grid operators as well as the use of the existing gas grid can be valuable for the operation of hydrogen networks which should, thus, be considered. In the future, former gas DSOs could run hydrogen grids. Given these similarities, new regulations for hydrogen and other green or low-carbon gases must be part of the same regulation and not dealt with in a separate act. - Making CHP-plants hydrogen-ready and ensuring their supply (via grids) is another important factor that should be addresses more by the EC. For this purpose DSOs will also need to retrofit their grids to be able to supply CHP-plants with a greater amount of green or low-carbon gases, including hydrogen. - More leeway regarding the operation of electrolysers and P2G-facilities should be applied, especially at the beginning in the absence of functioning markets. These facilities should be seen as integrated elements between the gas and electricity sector which support reliable and efficient network operations. - Hydrogen admixtures in the gas network should be properly recognised within the EU energy regulatory framework in order to enable their deployment. This means that injecting hydrogen into gas transmission and distribution pipelines provides renewable and low-carbon energy to consumers currently connected to the gas network 2. How can the access of renewable and low-carbon gases to markets and the infrastructure be improved? We welcome that the EC acknowledges the growing role of locally produced renewable gases, the necessity to foster them and to create a fair regulatory framework. The EC also pays attention to possible challenges regarding gas quality management at DSO-level. To create a positive environment for the development and use of green and renewable gases, the following in necessary: - We support the EC in its goal to facilitate the feed-in of green gases. - - In this respect, DSOs could take on further tasks related to the quality management of renewable gas in order to increase investment security for producers and to accelerate market development. This is certainly always subject to the precondition that the additional costs are reimbursed by means of the grid tariffs. - Funding for the development of smart gas grids is needed since they will be necessary and decisive in keeping track of the measurement of the gas quality in the grid. - The establishment of incentive models based on tenders and market premiums similar to those of the electricity sector are needed to ensure the availability of sufficient renewable gas in the future.
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Response to Revision of the guidelines for trans-European Energy infrastructure

24 Feb 2021

The energy world of 2013, when the TEN-E regulation took effect, differed significantly from today’s increasingly decentralised, digitalised and decarbonised energy system. The recognition of sector integration as prerequisite for a cost-efficient achievement of the climate goals while also guaranteeing security of supply plays an important role in this respect. The introductory remarks in the revision of the TEN-E-regulation pay tribute to the increasing role of DSOs and the need for a more cross-sectoral approach. The legally binding text, unfortunately, remains far behind expectations. The proposal specifically lacks enforcing the role and inclusion of DSOs and the DSO-entity as well as improved conditions for the realisation of smart grids projects. Further, the proposal misses to include the district heating and cooling infrastructure into the scope of the regulation. Although we welcome the newly introduced categoy for smart gas grids, we regret that the role of blending technologies remains unclear since blending of hydrogen into the gas distribution gird is an important first step towards a hydrogen economy. Please see attachment for the full statement
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Meeting with Silke Obst (Cabinet of Commissioner Violeta Bulc)

28 Nov 2017 · Meeting with Dr. G. Domschitz, Vorstandsdirektorin für Mobilität

Meeting with Maximilian Strotmann (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip)

12 Feb 2017 · Digitalisation of public services

Meeting with Christian Linder (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič)

14 Dec 2016 · Clean Energy for All package and main issues for Wiener Stadtwerke