Vienna district cooling demand rises by up to 60 percent

Demand for district cooling in Vienna can rise by up to 60 percent during hot days and heatwaves, ORF reports. More than 300 buildings are currently supplied through the system.

District cooling is produced as cold water at 25 plants, eight connected to the network and 17 local plants without a network connection. The water is transported to buildings through an underground pipeline system. Facilities supplied include the AKH, Vienna City Hall and the University of Vienna.

Vienna Energy laid the foundation for the system with its first supply contract 20 years ago. The first district cooling plant began operating in Erdberg one year later. A 4.7-kilometre network connection completed in 2024 enabled supply across Vienna’s city centre.

The system uses resources including waste heat and the Danube Canal. It also uses renewable electricity and waste heat from waste incineration. Unlike traditional air-conditioning systems, it does not additionally heat buildings or create their noise.

According to Eurostat, energy consumption for cooling doubled between 2018 and 2024. Vienna Energy said efficient cooling, particularly during heatwaves, was essential to meet rising energy demand and protect the comfort and health of the city’s population.

Vienna Energy plans to invest 100 million euros by 2030 to increase cooling capacity from its current 250 megawatts to 370 megawatts.