Drilling of approximately 430 geothermal boreholes has been completed at the Otto Wagner Area in Vienna, Austria. The project will now proceed to the technical implementation of the components of the generation plant, including probes and heat pumps, which will then supply a significant portion of the heating and cooling needs of the Otto Wagner Area site.
The drilling work started in November 2025 and was executed using five drilling rigs. Probes will be installed to depths of approximately 150 meters, Reforestation of the affected area will then take place in autumn.
Combined with photovoltaics on the pavilion roofs, the high proportion of renewable energy will help stabilize energy costs for the Otto Wagner Area in the long term compared to conventional alternatives. It is also another good example of how modern geothermal heating and cooling systems can be installed in historical buildings and facilities, thus revitalizing them with green infrastructure.
“With the completion of the drilling work, we have successfully completed a technically demanding and crucial project phase for the future of the site,” explained Manuela Moser-Ritzinger and Heribert Fruhauf, Managing Directors of the Otto Wagner Site. “It was particularly important to us to carry out the work with the utmost consideration for the listed buildings, the valuable green space, and the local residents. In the fall, the open areas will be replanted and fully integrated into the landscape of the site.”
“The successful completion of the geothermal drilling sends a strong signal for the sustainable development of the Otto Wagner Area. Here, we are combining the responsible management of a unique historical site with an innovative and climate-friendly energy supply. This project demonstrates how future-oriented urban development is being implemented in Vienna,” says Oliver Stribl, Managing Director of Wien Holding.
Source: Otto Wagner Area
