Our contribution to climate protection
For global climate protection, decarbonisation is a must, and over the long term this will require a complete elimination of fossil energy sources such as oil, natural gas and coal.
Of course this particularly affects individual transport. Therefore we are supporting a conversion to alternative drive systems and pushing renewable energy sources for our own energy usage.
22 electric filling stations by 2018
By the end of 2016 we had already established electric filling stations at twelve service stations. By the summer of 2018, ten more will follow. This will help make long-distance journeys with electric vehicles possible. Further criteria for the new high-performance quick-charging infrastructure are flexibility and expandability. The new charging stations are equipped with all common plug types, offer a charging capacity of up to 150 kW per charging point (plug) and can be upgraded to 350 kW. In comparison: present public quick-charging stations manage 50 kW.
Moreover, last year at three service areas electrical connections were installed for truck cooling units which were previously powered by diesel. This reduces both CO2 and noise emissions. It is presently being evaluated whether truck drivers are making use of this service.
Of course we are also adapting our own vehicle fleet. By 2020, 20% of the approximately 500 company cars and pool cars – or about 100 vehicles – should be equipped with an electric drive. This means that a charging infrastructure must be available at the workplaces of our employees as well. We have already started outfitting vehicles this year.
Electricity from renewable energy
The second area of decarbonisation relates to the energy supply. The largest energy consumers in our operations are the tunnel facilities. They make up about 60 percent of the total energy needs. So in addition to efficiency measures, we are also pushing a conversion to renewable energy: Since the beginning of 2016, we have been purchasing electricity exclusively from renewable energy sources. In addition, we are investing in generating our own energy.
At the Plabutsch tunnel in Graz, a 300 m2 collector surface is already collecting solar energy for the entrance lighting. For eight tunnels we are currently planning on-site photovoltaic or small hydropower plants. For four other tunnels and a rest area we are currently assessing possible use of the wind power available there. On a small scale as well, we are establishing and developing innovative solutions such as the "smartflower", a flower-shaped photovoltaic system. It sets a very visible example for environmentally friendly energy generation. Since December 6, 2016, it has been providing about 50% of the green electricity for lighting the Hinterbrühl rest area.