%20Ing.%20Robert%20Harson%20(1).avif)
Cineplexx, as Austria’s largest cinema operator, has for years been a company highly conscious of its energy consumption. In recent years, photovoltaic technology has experienced unprecedented growth and offers numerous advantages by using sunlight as a renewable energy source. Cineplexx Salzburg Airport, Cineplexx Hohenems, Cineplexx Villach, and Cineplexx Linz have already been relying on PV technology since 2023 and 2024 – and now Cineplexx Parndorf follows. The installation of the new solar panels on the rooftop of Cineplexx Parndorf enables the use of sunlight to cover electricity demand for lighting, air conditioning, and other operational processes.
Energy Efficiency in the Leading Role
A total of 246 kWp has been installed on the roof of Cineplexx Parndorf, covering a module area of approximately 1,200 m². This results in an expected annual yield of around 250,000 kWh. With this amount of electricity produced, the Cineplexx cinema could theoretically supply around 70 households per year – and saves nearly 70,000 kg of CO₂ annually. Calculated over 30 years, this amounts to approximately 2,100 tonnes of CO₂.
“Cineplexx, as Austria’s largest cinema operator, is a company highly aware of its energy consumption. That is why we have been gradually shifting to greener alternatives for years and continuously expanding our efforts in this direction – whether through sustainable smart laser film projectors, recycled materials in various components, LED lighting technology, or the installation of heat recovery systems across Austria that utilize projector exhaust air. In addition, Cineplexx has established air circulation concepts with air quality sensors,” explains Christof Papousek, Managing Director and Shareholder of Cineplexx Kinobetriebe GmbH.
Long-Term Plans for Greater Energy Independence
Further investments are planned in the coming years, including the generation of solar energy on rooftop and green areas – together with long-standing partners voltaigo and Collective Energy.
“We are proud to play a part in the ‘blockbuster’ energy transition together with voltaigo GmbH and, especially in this project with Collective Energy and Cineplexx as planners and installers of the system, to take on a leading role rather than just a supporting one. Voltaigo is the Indiana Jones of the energy industry. Sometimes the challenges seem insurmountable, but in the end, there is always a happy ending,” say Michael Krickl and Andreas Feichtinger, Managing Directors of voltaigo GmbH, with a wink.
Christoph Zinganell, Managing Director of Collective Energy, adds: “For us at Collective Energy, photovoltaics are not only a clean source of energy, but also an expression of our commitment to a livable and sustainable future. Therefore, in Parndorf – following Villach, Hohenems, Salzburg, and Linz – we are pleased to realize already the fifth photovoltaic project together with Cineplexx. As system operator and long-standing project partner, we once again demonstrate what is possible when companies take responsibility together.”
