MedUni Vienna has inaugurated a new district cooling plant with Wien Energie at the MedUniCampus Mariannengasse, featuring an innovative ice storage system that will save 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The facility, built in collaboration with the Federal Real Estate Company (BIG), integrates waste heat use and marks a milestone in Vienna’s growing district cooling network.
“This project connects our city centre cooling network with key hubs like the AKH and Spittelau,” said Michael Strebl, CEO of Wien Energie. “It’s a crucial step in expanding sustainable cooling solutions for Vienna’s hotter summers.”
The MedUniCampus, now the largest customer of the plant, will benefit from resource-efficient cooling while setting new standards in medical education and research facilities. “We are committed to combining cutting-edge medical training with sustainable energy practices,” added Christine Dornaus, Managing Director of BIG.
A highlight of the project is its ice storage system, used for the first time in Vienna’s network. The system stores cold energy by freezing water during off-peak hours and releases it during peak demand, boosting operational efficiency.
Volkan Talazoglu, Vice-Rector for Finance at MedUni Vienna, emphasized its broader impact: “This aligns with our commitment to sustainability and positions MedUni Vienna as a model for energy-conscious universities worldwide.”
The €22 million facility includes three electric chillers powered by green electricity, a heat pump, and an absorption chiller. Once completed, it will provide 17.7 megawatts of cooling capacity, supporting not only the campus but also surrounding buildings.
Source: MedUni Vienna
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