First Ambassador training in Austria

The 1^st Ambassador training in Austria took place on December 10, 2019 in the capital of the Lower Austria province St Pölten. Mainly representatives from the local public sector with focus on energy and finance topics participated in the event. Andreas Karner (ConPlusUltra) welcomed participants and presented project E-FIX, its main results so far and upcoming activities. He pointed out opportunities for implementing pilot projects at the local level in the framework of the project and the added value of the ambassador platform.

Andreas Karner (ConPlusUltra) welcomed participants and presented project E-FIX, its main results so far and upcoming activities. He pointed out opportunities for implementing pilot projects at the local level in the framework of the project and the added value of the ambassador platform.

The next session was presented by Michael Gartner (CONDA) who gave an introduction to the topic of Crowdfunding. Next to explaining different types of crowdfunding, he focused on its role in energy transition including, for example, involvement of general public, decrease of energy costs, support for innovative technologies and broad market validation. The Project financing module was presented by Thomas Lindner (Vienna University of Economics and Business), who gave insights into relevant actors, contract structure, risk management and relation to joint ventures. Cosmin Capra (ConPlusUltra)showed an example of energy efficiency project with focus on Crowdinvesting. This included analysis of the needs, possibilities for renovation, quality criteria and financing mix. Following this a discussion on possible pilot project was started, where participants shared project ideas e.g. renovation of schools, adjacent sports center (incl. swimming pool), town hall, installation of a hydroelectric power plant and other public buildings.