Visit to EVN AG

On 11 May 2026 we visited the headquater of EVN AG in Maria Enzersdorf, Lower Austria, a leading energy and services company, where we were welcomed by its CEO, Stefan Szyszkowitz, who presented the activities of the company.

EVN operates along the entire energy value chain, including energy generation and storage, the operation of distribution networks and the supply of energy to end customers. EVN´s core international markets include Bulgaria and North Macedonia. In addition, EVN maintains selected international activities in Germany, Croatia and Albania. With its diversified business model, in line with the Strategy 2030, EVN plans to invest up to 1 billion Euros annually, with a focus on network infrastructure, renewable generation, large battery storage, natural heat, e-charging infrastructure and drinking water. Four fifths of these annual investments are made in Lower Austria, supporting the energy future and enabling the transformation of the energy system. EVN is committed to providing its customers with efficient, state-of-the-art infrastructure and protecting supply security across all areas.
In accordance with constitutional law, the province of Lower Austria is the majority shareholder of EVN AG with a stake of 51.0%. The second largest shareholder is Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH with a stake of 28.4%. Free float equals 20.6% (incl. 0.9% treasury shares). In the 2024/25 financial year, EVN’s Group net result amounted to EUR 436.7m, of which approximately 60% derived from foreign subsidiaries and from EVN’s investments in Verbund, RAG and Burgenland Energie.

CEO Stefan Szyszkowitz in his presentation "Current development in the energy sector" mentioned the new crisis, the effects of the war against Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz whith peak oil and gas prices. As a result of the Russian aggression against Ukraine Austria still could switch to Norvegian gas and LNG from USA. The amounts of LNG from Qatar now blocked however cannot be replaced. Even if the Strait of Hormuz was opened soon, the oil and gas prices will remain high for quite some time.

According to CEO Szyszkowitz the aim of EVN is to switch to renewable energy: biogas, photovoltaic, wind energy. The transformation is on the way but it costs. Respective investments are needed, Europe needs more energy independence. In this regard he mentioned the urgent need of more storage power plants and battery storing. Due to the changes in mobility electricity has the highest demand of about 40% for mobility only. But the transformation of the car industry is unavoidable. The quality and range of E-cars is rising fast. Concerning wind and solar energy CEO Szyszkowitz mentioned, that they are only overlapping 5% to 10% during the day. Therefore the need for temporary electricity storage is limited. The production of photovoltaic is rising fast. The grid has to be adapted. CEO Szyszkowitz considered himself as critical conderning hydrogen production. So far it is seen to be much too expensive. In order to attract the consumers for electricity consumption during peek hours of solar energy production, EVN is already offering its lowest prices for private use between 12:00 and 16:00 hrs.

The presentation of CEO Szyszkowitz was followed by an extensive Q&A session, refreshments.and snacks.