The Brumowski airbase in Langenlebarn is to become self-sufficient. With projects such as the general refurbishment of a rail connection (3.7 million euros, Militär Aktuell reported), the construction of a new biomass cogeneration plant and the adaptation of the existing heating center, the airbase is to be expanded in the direction of “self-sufficiency” (13 million euros including planning costs).
From next year, an additional 1.25 million euros will be earmarked for expansion in areas such as energy, water and heat supply as well as catering and medical services. Almost 18 million euros are to be invested in these projects and plans over the next few years. The aim is to strengthen the location of Lower Austria’s largest garrison and increase its self-sufficiency. Defense Minister Tanner: “Self-sufficient barracks are to be completed by 2024 in order to be able to react quickly and efficiently in threat scenarios such as a blackout. The initial investments and the maintenance of the infrastructure of the largest garrison in Lower Austria, i.e. Brumowski Air Base, is an important step for the future of the Austrian Armed Forces.”
The first steps on the road to self-sufficiency were taken on 12 May with the start of the general renovation of the railroad siding in Langenlebarn: Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner broke ground at the airbase. The track system, which is over 80 years old and runs from Tulln railroad station to the military property in Langenlebarn, will be completely renovated. The general refurbishment of the siding is linked to the increase in self-sufficiency. “Increasing the self-sufficiency of the Langenlebarn airbase will make an important contribution to the country’s crisis resilience. Our armed forces are a strong and important partner for the state of Lower Austria and this major investment will make them even stronger,” emphasizes Provincial Councillor Ludwig Schleritzko. In addition, a self-sufficient and ecological heating system is planned for the garrison. This is to be achieved on the one hand by adapting the existing central heating system and on the other by building a new biomass cogeneration plant. By refurbishing the central heating system, the Austrian Armed Forces are making a significant contribution to greening, as well as ensuring a self-sufficient heat supply for the entire property. Furthermore, the planned renovation of the rail connection will not only allow troop transports to depart directly from the Brumowski airbase at lower cost in future, but also the delivery of biomass from the Allentsteig military training area can be transported to the airbase in a CO2-neutral manner. Furthermore, the combustion of the wood chips in the heating plant produces a gas that drives a so-called gas engine, which in turn can be used to generate electricity. This also ensures a self-sufficient electrical energy supply, at least to cover the base load.
