WATTgoesON: The Electrifying Podcast for Businesses

Energy for 200,000 households:
How Lenzing is transforming industry with an integrated energy system

Kathrin Hanzl talks to Christian Skilich, Chief Pulp & Chief Technology Officer at Lenzing AG, about the energy transition at a site whose energy requirements are equivalent to those of around 200,000 Austrian households. Wood sourced regionally is used there to produce cellulose fibres for clothing, hygiene products and technical textiles.

Whilst the decarbonisation of the electricity supply is already well advanced, the key challenge lies in process heat. Lenzing is pursuing a clear approach: first save energy, then generate it sustainably in-house, and only then purchase green energy. Together with VERBUND, an integrated energy system has been under development since 2021, comprising around 8.3 megawatts peak of photovoltaic capacity, a 14-megawatt power-to-heat plant and charging infrastructure for staff and the company fleet. Christian Skilich explains why Lenzing thinks in terms of decades rather than years, what role storage technologies will play in the future, and how a major energy consumer itself becomes an active part of the energy system.

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Invisible precision:
How SGL Carbon secures production with its own energy

Kathrin Hanzl, together with Herwig Fischer, Managing Director of SGL Carbon in Austria, takes a look behind the scenes at a company whose products are barely visible yet are used in vehicles from Porsche, Lamborghini and McLaren. The focus is on fibre-reinforced composites – and the key role that energy plays in their production.

At its sites in Ried and Ort im Innkreis, SGL consumes up to 10 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year. Even a power cut lasting just one millisecond can cause liquid plastic in the pipes to harden, resulting in significant damage. Herwig Fischer explains how SGL, in collaboration with VERBUND, has been expanding its own electricity generation since 2020, now covering around 15 per cent of its electricity requirements through photovoltaics, and why security of supply is more than just a question of cost for the industrial site.

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Buses in the fast lane of electric mobility:
How Blaguss integrates its fleet, charging infrastructure and self-generated electricity into a single system

Presenter Kathrin Hanzl, together with Paul Blaguss, Managing Partner of the Blaguss Group, explores how a long-established company with more than 600 buses is shaping the mobility transition whilst continuing to operate.

Paul Blaguss explains how the gradual electrification of coaches, regular services and tourist transfers interacts with charging infrastructure, charge management and on-site electricity generation. This also covers solar panels on bus roofs, the cross-site use of on-site electricity via the company’s own electricity pool, and advances in battery technology. An episode about entrepreneurial vision and the practical implementation of a holistic energy system.

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When ice cream and energy come together:
How energy-intensive businesses ensure their own security of supply

Presenter Kathrin Hanzl, together with Georg Blochberger, managing director of Eis-Greissler in Krumbach, explores how a business combines its own electricity generation, heat supply, charging infrastructure and mobility into a holistic energy system.

Georg Blochberger explains the development from an agricultural business to an energy-intensive production and experience centre, the expansion of photovoltaic systems, the micro-heat network and charging points, as well as the role of the circular economy and the conversion of the vehicle fleet. The discussion also covers security of supply, corporate responsibility and the question of how businesses of all sizes can shape the energy transition themselves in a practical and cost-effective way.

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Electric Cars Can Do More:
How Vehicle-to-Grid Connects Mobility and the Energy System

Host Kathrin Hanzl, together with Kurt Leonhartsberger, CEO of impeect GmbH and deputy chairman of the V2G Alliance Austria, explores the potential of Vehicle-to-Grid, bidirectional charging, and the role of electric vehicles as flexible energy storage solutions in the energy system.

Kurt Leonhartsberger explains the technical requirements for V2G, the existing storage potential of electric vehicles in Austria, and the challenges surrounding interoperability, regulation, and everyday usability. The discussion also addresses why trust in the technology and the system is crucial for successfully implementing bidirectional charging in practice.

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Electricity, Security, Strategy:
How Vienna International Airport is rethinking its energy system

Kathrin Hanzl speaks with Julian Jäger, Joint CEO of Flughafen Wien AG and President of Aviation Industry Austria, about the energy-intensive 24/7 infrastructure hub and the strategic transformation toward greater self-sufficiency in energy.

The focus is on city-level energy demand, photovoltaics, on-site power generation, and smart energy management, as well as the integration of economic efficiency, security of supply, and CO₂ reduction. The discussion also covers electrification on the apron, storage technologies, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels.

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Door-to-door electric:
The country’s largest electric fleet in operation

Kathrin Hanzl speaks with Peter Umundum, Deputy CEO of Österreichische Post AG and Head of Parcel & Logistics, about the development and operation of Austria’s largest electric fleet. Since 2010, Austrian Post has consistently focused on electric mobility and now operates more than 6,000 electric vehicles; approximately 1,000 more are converted each year.

The focus is on practical solutions, such as charging infrastructure at delivery hubs, 20 MWp of solar power at company-owned sites, smart home charging concepts for delivery drivers, the first electric trucks and vehicle-to-grid systems, as well as the economic and organizational framework conditions such as scaling, employee engagement, and a robust business case. This episode shows how consistent planning and infrastructure investments are turning electric mobility from a pilot project into a living reality, transferable both nationally and internationally.

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When the circular economy goes electric:
Electric heavy-duty vehicles in practice

Together with Andreas Opelt, CEO of Saubermacher AG, Kathrin Hanzl discusses the transition to electric heavy-duty mobility, operational challenges in route planning, charging infrastructure, and grid connection, as well as economic constraints, funding models, and regulatory frameworks.

The discussion also focuses on batteries as a recyclable material, second-life storage, recycling processes, and the importance of standardization. Additionally, we offer practical insights into investment risks and why infrastructure, economic viability, and circular thinking must work together for the mobility transition in the heavy-duty sector to succeed.

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Total Cost of Ownership Instead of Purchase Costs:
Why Electric Mobility Needs to Be Reimagined from a Business Perspective

Kathrin Hanzl speaks with Marcella Kral, Senior Manager of B2B Electric Mobility Partnerships at ÖAMTC, about the key drivers of the corporate mobility transition: Total Cost of Ownership, relevant cost categories such as energy, maintenance, residual value, and charging infrastructure, as well as the implications of AFIR regulations.

The focus is on making Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions visible and reducing them, the shift from pure fleet management to holistic mobility management, and concrete practical examples. From charging at the company location to the sensitive charging infrastructure of the ÖAMTC Air Rescue Service.

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More than just a charging station:
How VERBUND helps companies navigate the e-mobility transition safely

Kathrin Hanzl speaks with Martin Wagner, Managing Director of VERBUND Energy4Business GmbH, about strategic consulting for corporate e-mobility, customized charging solutions, and the transformation of individual charging points into holistic mobility concepts.

Martin Wagner explains common consulting questions, the differences between business, real estate, co-op, and logistics charging, as well as the integration of charging infrastructure with photovoltaics, storage systems, and tracker systems. Additionally, the episode explores assessments of market trends, the cost-effectiveness of charging solutions, and the successful implementation of the mobility transition in companies.

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Heading Toward 2030:
How Austria Is Preparing Businesses for E-Mobility

Kathrin Hanzl speaks with Katharina Seper, an official at the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure, about government support for corporate e-mobility. The focus is on funding programs such as eMove Austria, legal frameworks, and Austria’s emissions reduction plan through 2030.

Katharina Seper explains what companies should keep in mind when applying for funding and emphasizes why electric mobility is a key competitive factor for businesses.

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Mobilize:
More Than Just Mobility: What Electric Cars Can Already Give Back Today

Patrizia Valentini, Head of Mobilize at Mobilize Financial Services Austria, discusses Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) as a key technology, circular thinking in e-mobility, and why new partnerships between vehicles, the grid, and resources are needed now.

With practical insights into innovative energy concepts, the benefits of smart charging infrastructure for businesses are highlighted and the advantages of a holistic approach to mobility are discussed.

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Hyundai:
New Paths, New Competitors – Hyundai on the Future of Corporate Mobility

In conversation with Roland Punzengruber, Managing Director of Hyundai Import, we discuss the electrification of corporate fleets, the associated requirements, and the necessary strategic decisions.

We also highlight real-world experiences from fleet operations and the necessary shift in perspective regarding corporate mobility . The influence of international providers on competition, as well as future technologies such as bidirectional charging and hydrogen, are also discussed.

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vibe:
Mobility by Subscription – Christian Clerici explains why companies should rethink their approach now

A look at subscription models as a modern alternative to traditional corporate fleets and the possibilities for integrating electric vehicles without long-term commitments or residual value risks.

Christian Clerici from vibe moves you provides practical insights into the internal changes needed to think of mobility as a service. He also discusses challenges in setting up corporate charging infrastructure and highlights how companies can address typical customer concerns regarding new mobility concepts.

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Miba:
What happens before an electric car starts charging?

In this episode of WATTgoesON, host Kathrin Hanzl speaks with Jens Kuschel, General Manager of the Miba Power Electronics Group, about the invisible infrastructure of electric mobility.

What role do power generation, transmission, and AC/DC conversion play in a sustainable charging infrastructure? The episode explores grid levels and onboard vehicle systems, as well as the importance of high-performance components.

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KEBA:
DC Charging Solutions as a Mass-Market Product?

Host Kathrin Hanzl speaks with Stefan Richter, CEO of KEBA Energy Automation GmbH, about DC charging solutions in semi-public and public spaces. What role do user-friendly technologies and scalable charging infrastructure play in the mass market?

The discussion highlights various DC system solutions, vfrom wall boxes to smart fast-charging stations, as well as cost-effectiveness and maintenance. It also explores how artificial intelligence can revolutionize the charging experience through predictive load management and voice-controlled interaction .

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OLÉ:
The Current State of Electric Mobility in Austria

In conversation with Philipp Wieser, Head of OLÉ—Austria’s Control Center for Electric Mobility, we explore the developments in e-mobility in Austria. How has the market for battery-electric vehicles changed? Are the more than 25,000 charging points sufficient to meet demand, and what challenges exist in providing nationwide coverage?

We also discuss how companies can use mobility data to develop new business models, as well as the policy measures needed to drive the mobility transition.

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VCÖ:
Making zero-emission vehicles the standard

Host Kathrin Hanzl speaks with Michael Schwendinger from the mobility organization VCÖ about decarbonization strategies and the future of sustainable mobility.

Why does it take courage to shape a more livable future? What role do lighter vehicles and the “small is beautiful” principle play? The episode also discusses the potential savings of smart transportation policy as well as the opportunities presented by e-fuels and retrofitting for climate-friendly mobility.

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Payuca:
Innovative charging solutions for real estate enhancement

In a conversation with Dominik Wegmayer, CEO of PAYUCA, host Kathrin Hanzl discusses how real estate can be enhanced through innovative charging solutions. Many residential and office buildings often lack charging stations for electric cars, even though garages are available.

How can property owners enhance their properties with charging infrastructure and generate additional revenue? The necessary legal and organizational steps, as well as the revenue opportunities resulting from the installation of charging stations , are also discussed.

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SMATRICS:
The Future of Electric Mobility

In this episode of WATTgoesON, host Kathrin Hanzl speaks with Hauke Hinrichs, CEO of SMATRICS, about the company’s role as a 360° full-service provider for electric mobility.

You’ll learn how SMATRICS is driving the charging infrastructure forward, which aspects companies should consider when expanding their charging network , and how innovative payment solutions like Plug & Charge simplify the charging process for end customers. The discussion also covers the prospects for expanding the fast-charging network and how the transition to climate-friendly mobility can be achieved.

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KEBA:
Charge. Store. Feed back.

Host Kathrin Hanzl speaks with Stefan Richter, CEO of KEBA Energy Automation GmbH, about climate-neutral electric mobility made in Linz and current trends.

What is meant by bidirectional charging, and why is it considered the future standard? What aspects should companies and individuals consider when switching to electric mobility? In addition, the importance of compliance with calibration laws is explained.

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Volvo Trucks:
Trucks and Electric Mobility

In the first episode of WATTgoesON , host Kathrin Hanzl speaks with e-mobility expert Roland Löffler and Volvo Trucks about the seemingly contradictory combination of “trucks and electric mobility.”

What opportunities arise from the use of electric vehicles in the transportation sector? What aspects need to be considered when purchasing and maintaining electric commercial vehicles? What about range, subsidies, and day-to-day operations? In addition, a practical example is presented to illustrate the topic. This recording is from the summer of 2024.

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