This exploratory study is devoted to finding low-tech solutions for climate-friendly and resource-efficient energy systems. As well as requiring the involvement of the energy, transport, agriculture, industry and commercial sectors, trialling reproducible model solutions for 100% renewable energy also relies just as much on participation by locals. Easy-to-understand low-tech solutions are vital if the citizens are to make an active contribution to the energy transition.
 
The study investigated some fundamental aspects of low-tech model solutions and prepared the ground for their use in three specific pilot regions as part of an overall concept. The model regions – Hollabrunn/Retzer Land (Lower Austria), Traunviertel/Ennstal-Steyr (Upper Austria) and Bruck an der Leitha/Gols (Burgenland) – differ significantly in terms of their geographical location, climate, economic structure, mobility and transport infrastructure, and potential for supplying energy. Comprehensive analyses were conducted of the current situation in all three regions, and packages of measures focusing on low-tech solutions and saving resources were put together.
 
The results of the analyses fed into the “LOW-TECH Innovation Lab TOOLKIT”, which also contains specific guidance on energy, construction, mobility, the circular economy and nature-based solutions.