Fine-tuning for sustainable innovations
On March 24, 2025, the Local Workshop 3 “Fine Tuning” took place in Jormannsdorf at the Burgenland Business Agency (WAB) as part of the EU project Ruractive. In this advanced phase, the previously developed solutions for sustainable developments in the South Burgenland region were concretized and the implementation steps were planned.
After challenges and solutions for sustainable regional development had been developed together with various stakeholders in the first two workshops, the focus was now on the question: How do we put these solutions into practice? Important aspects such as necessary measures, stakeholders involved, cost estimates and timetables were discussed and worked out.
The BAB team took the lead in the working group “Sustainable grassland management through compact small-scale biogas plants”. The aim of this solution is to preserve extensive green spaces in the Weinidylle Nature Park through the efficient use of biomass. A particular focus here was on the use and control of invasive plant species such as ragweed, which is becoming an increasing problem in the region. The other two working groups dealt with a volunteer concept for environmental protection and nature conservation, and the Green Food Cruiser for supplying cyclists along the railroad line.
An important milestone of the workshop was the joint development of a CANVAS business plan with the stakeholders involved. Key questions regarding practical implementation were clarified:
What specific steps are required?
Which partners and institutions should be involved in the project?
What financial resources are required and what funding opportunities are available?
What time frame is realistic?
The results of this workshop were used to develop a roadmap for the implementation of sustainable grassland management. The next few months will be used to specify financing concepts and establish concrete collaborations. An essential next step is to carry out a feasibility study. This is intended to clarify the technical, economic and ecological framework conditions for the operation of small-scale mobile biogas plants. Various location factors, logistical challenges and long-term economic viability will be analyzed. At the same time, the adaptation of a prototype biogas plant is planned. The results of this study will serve as a decision-making basis for further implementation.
The BAB team, consisting of Theresia Oedl-Wieser, Martina Schorn and Oliver Tamme, would like to thank all participants for their commitment and are looking forward to implementing the next steps together with the partners from the region.
