Energy self-sufficiency in practice

Solar meetup shows concrete solutions for energy self-sufficiency

What is often discussed in theory became tangible once again at the Stockerau solar meetup (Solarstammtisch): technologies that create independence are economical – and already in practical use.

A “more than successful get-together, with a lively exchange of knowledge for all visitors.”

Wolfgang Löser

The solar meetup with e-mobility expert gathering on 1 April 2026 clearly showed how strongly the market has developed. More than 70 visitors found out on site about current vehicles and technologies. Models from Xpeng and Leapmotor, equipped with modern 800-volt fast-charging technology and comprehensive standard equipment, met with great interest.

Market pressure is having an effect: a single dealer has already sold more than 70 vehicles in the current year – an indicator of rising demand and growing confidence in electric mobility. The exhibition was complemented by vehicles from established brands such as Kia, Volvo, Polestar and Hyundai.

Self-sufficiency is no longer a vision

Particularly impressive was the contribution by energy technician Herbert Sporrer and farmer Ing. Johannes Lembacher. Their example shows that complete energy self-sufficiency is not only possible but makes economic sense.

A farm fattening 600 pigs is run entirely without a connection to the public power grid. Energy is supplied by a vegetable-oil combined heat and power plant that provides both electricity and heat. The entire annual requirement is around 3,000 litres of vegetable oil – produced directly on the farm.

“There are no more electricity or heating costs,” the report emphasises. At the same time, additional synergies arise: the press cake from the oil production replaces a large part of the protein feed. The savings even exceed the production costs.

Circular economy as the key to independence

The model presented goes beyond energy. Their own fertiliser cycles, healthy animal husbandry and the use of effective microorganisms create a largely closed system. For ten years, neither antibiotics nor a vet have been needed.

The approach shows that security of supply is not just a question of technology but of the design of individual systems. Only then do local production, sensible use of existing resources and the reduction of external dependencies lead to stable, resilient structures.

Information on the public meetups (German)

Conclusion Independence starts small

This solar meetup makes it clear once again: the energy transition is no longer an abstract project for the future. It is already happening – in vehicles, in businesses – very concretely, on site.

But technology alone is not enough. Only in combination with practical application, economic thinking and regional value creation does real freedom arise.

Or, as I put it: a “more than successful get-together, with a lively exchange of knowledge for all visitors.”