Kelag & Kärntnermilch

Now they’re really turning up the heat with biomass

This photovoltaic system already produces ten percent of the Upper Carinthian dairy's electricity requirements today

(Bild: Kelag)

A lot of steam is needed to produce the delicacies of "Kärntnermilch".

(Bild: Rojsek-Wiedergut Uta/Kelag)

The energy transition is taking a big step in Spittal: Kelag is now building a power plant for the "Kärntnermilch" production facility for 14 million euros, which will then generate the required steam from biomass instead of natural gas and also supply the town with energy; and above all save CO2.

One of the most beautiful and coolest projects; I am proud that we are able to be part of it; it is simply a prime example," enthuses Kelag CEO Reinhard Draxler at the presentation of the project. Even if some people simply don't want to admit it, the energy transition will probably still take decades; two thirds of the total energy in Austria, i.e. the production of electricity, heat and, of course, for transportation, still comes from fossil fuels. So we are still a long way from independence.

10 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year
Today, "Kärntnermilch" needs around ten million kilowatt hours of electricity per year; the cooperative already harvests ten percent from its own roofs using photovoltaics. And the incredible 13.5 million kilowatt hours for steam, which is used in the dairy for heating in production and sterilization, are still generated using gas. Gas that has to be purchased at a high price because it has to be obtained in Europe either from Russia or via liquid gas terminals.

But now the biomass plant is being built. "In future, this fossil fuel will be completely replaced by biomass. Biomass that we have locally," says Kärntnermilch Director Helmut Petschar. Many of "his" cooperative members are also forest farmers and have this renewable resource at their disposal. What's more, the plant also has reserves for any future expansion of production and the surplus production is fed into Kelag's district heating network.

Kelag and Kärntnermilch: Christoph Herzeg, Provincial Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig, Helmut Petschar, Adolf Melcher and Reinhard Draxler.

(Bild: Kelag)

Helmut and Albert Petschar: "Kärntnermilch" products receive awards time and time again.

(Bild: Kogler Christina Natascha/Kelag)

The products of "Kärntnermilch" are not only appreciated and enjoyed in Austria.

(Bild: Rojsek-Wiedergut Uta/Kelag)

"14 million euros are being invested here," reports Adolf Melcher from Kelag Energie- und Wärme, which already produces heat in Spittal.

3200 tons of CO2 will be saved
The project is currently in the detailed planning stage, with construction due to start in 2025 and completion by 2027 at the latest. "A showcase example," says a delighted Sebastian Schuschnig, Provincial Councillor for Energy. 3200 tons of CO2 can then be saved per year. And Spittal will be 98% heated with "renewables".

Incidentally, an emergency power system was also installed at Kärntnermilch. Helmut Petschar: "It is now operational and could not only keep our production running, but also secure the biomass plant and thus the energy for Spittal."

Incidentally, "Kärntnermilch", which has been producing high-quality, award-winning milk and cheese specialties at the Spittal site for over 95 years, will also be awarded the Austrian TRIGOS sustainability award this year. Petschar: "It is a great honor for us to receive this prestigious award. Over the years, we have built up our own positive cycle. It combines all of our projects, including organic meadow milk, GMO-free and plastic reduction."