The INKOBA Sterngartl industrial park has emerged as a model for energy cooperation and sustainable development within industrial parks. By fostering collaboration among local businesses, INKOBA demonstrates how shared approaches to energy management can reduce costs, enhance security of supply, and drive innovation in renewable energy use.

A Vision for Sustainable Industrial Development

Since its establishment, the INKOBA Sterngartl Municipal Association has pursued a clear vision of sustainable industrial growth:

  • 2015–2017: Acquisition of 77,000 m² of land and its rezoning for industrial purposes.
  • 2017–2024: Sale of individual plots to companies, prioritising manufacturing, mechanical engineering, food, and service industries.

Today, the park hosts 10 companies employing approximately 380 staff (expected to reach 450). A notable feature of INKOBA is that nine out of ten businesses generate their own electricity via photovoltaic installations on their roofs or façades. The park also plans a tree-lined avenue along the main road, reflecting its commitment to integrating sustainability with urban planning.

Integration into the Regional Energy Community

INKOBA Sterngartl goes beyond self-sufficiency by participating in STERN-EEG, a regional energy community with over 900 members. The cooperative operates three wind turbines, sixteen hydroelectric plants, and roughly 780 photovoltaic systems, collectively producing around 30,000 MWh of electricity annually.

STERN-EEG represents the first renewable energy community (REC) in Vorderweißenbach. Its mission is not primarily profit-driven; rather, it seeks to deliver ecological, economic, and social benefits to its members and the wider region. As a prosumer cooperative, STERN-EEG enables members to produce and consume energy collectively, enhancing supply security while fostering local collaboration.

INKOBA and the ENERGIZE Project

INKOBA Sterngartl is proud to participate as a pilot site in the ENERGIZE project, an EU initiative promoting energy communities in industrial and business parks. ENERGIZE supports the implementation of innovative energy solutions, from shared storage and renewable generation to joint heat supply systems, helping regions across Europe achieve sustainable, resilient energy networks. Through ENERGIZE, INKOBA not only showcases the benefits of inter-company energy collaboration but also contributes to wider European efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, INKOBA is planning a biomass heating plant to provide a shared thermal energy supply for the park, further enhancing efficiency and sustainability. A new electrical substation, expected in 2029, will allow surplus photovoltaic energy to be stored and redistributed, enabling favourable electricity rates during peak demand. Implementation of this system is projected for 2030–2032, positioning INKOBA Sterngartl at the forefront of energy innovation in industrial parks.

Conclusion

INKOBA Sterngartl illustrates the power of regional collaboration in driving sustainable industrial energy solutions. By combining self-generation, cooperative energy communities, and innovative future projects, it serves as an exemplary model for other industrial parks seeking to reduce costs, improve energy security, and promote sustainability. Its engagement with the ENERGIZE project highlights the critical role of European partnerships in scaling up renewable energy initiatives across borders.

Authors: Anja Gahleitner, Matthäus Haas, Sebastian Goers, Simon Moser

Source: presentation Matthäus Haas 08.10.2025, Bad Leonfelden and https://www.stern-eeg.at/