Sustainability will be one of the major goals of the EUR 100-million renovation of the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria. To make the sports facility emissions-neutral, energy will be supplied 12,000 photovoltaic modules and 270 geothermal boreholes.

Drilling and construction work has begun on what will eventually be one of the largest geothermal borehole systems in Vienna. Drilling will take place on the training grounds in front of the stadium, making it necessary to remove the floodlights and artificial turf prior to work. The renovation of the training fields is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2024, with the entire renovation to be completed by 2026.

The combined geothermal and photovoltaic system is expected to have an annual energy output of 4377 MWh. This is around 800 MWh more than the energy requirement of the stadium. Excess energy will be sent to the stadium swimming pool next door.