Stanz explores ways to share energy more effectively

The municipality of Stanz im Mürztal is working with energy experts to improve how electricity is used and shared, ORF Steiermark reported. It is one of only eight Austrian municipalities receiving support for a rural innovation partnership.

Stanz founded an energy community in 2022, but encountered challenges, including with billing. Mayor Dieter Schabereiter said the community has since been exploring how digital tools could benefit local authorities and residents.

The goal is not to become energy self-sufficient, but to shape the region’s energy future. The Stanzertal energy community aims to generate half of its own electricity needs within five years and use storage to distribute that power more evenly throughout the day.

Fritz Pichler of the energy community said digital systems could connect small storage units and, potentially, electric-car batteries to help shift electricity demand. For example, a vehicle owner could keep half the battery’s charge for the next morning and let the community sell the rest overnight when prices are favourable.

Residents in the community’s supply area will be able to sell electricity to the energy community or use electricity from it.