LIMES 2025: Future Prize for Renewable Energy awarded for the first time
f.l.t.r. Group photo with the nominated projects: HELIOPLANT (ehoch2 - Florian & Nina Jamschek), Hybrid Solar Reactor (AEE INTEC - Christoph Brunner, Bettina Muster, Sarah Meitz), SiloToHeat (Silosophie - Lucas Silhanek, Maximilian Wittmann, Armin Knöbl)
Bruck/Leitha, October 17, 2025 - What began as an idea just over a year ago - to set up a research foundation to support bold, visionary projects on their way to the future of energy - became a reality: our own foundation prize was awarded for the first time - LIMES, the Future Prize for Renewable Energy.
The name has two strong meanings for us: On the one hand, Limes stands for the old Roman border walls. But instead of building walls, we want to break through them with innovative, ground-breaking ideas. On the other hand, LIMES stands for "Limitless Innovative: Mission Energy Futurewith Thrust " - and this is exactly what was tangible on the evening of the award ceremony: courage, passion and innovative strength.
"Our vision is to be a foundation with real impact - a driving force for the future of energy. LIMES is not a classic prize, but the starting point for the implementation of bold ideas. We are looking for the Daniel:a Gyro Gearloose of renewables," says DI Dr. Hannes Schaffer, CEO of the Energiepark Research Foundation.
The award ceremony
We celebrated this special milestone together with pioneers, visionaries and partners as part of our big anniversary celebration: 30 years of Energiepark Bruck/Leitha, 20 years of MSc Renewable Energy Systems and 1 year of the Energiepark Research Foundation:
LIMES 2025 Award winner:in - Silosophy I SiloToHeat
Lucas Silhanek, Maximilian Wittmann, Armin Knöbl & team impressed the jury with their idea of using empty silos as high-temperature heat storage units - an approach with enormous potential for the heat transition. In addition to €25,000 in prize money, the team will now start a one-year mentoring program with the Energiepark Forschungsstiftung for further development in order to take this next step in implementation together - congratulations, dear LIMES 2025 award winners, Silosophie!
2nd place (ex aequo) -AEE INTEC | Hybrid solar reactor
An innovative hybrid collectorthat generates electricity, heat and green hydrogen at the same time. This concept combines several technologies in one compact system and shows what sector coupling can look like in concrete terms. An exciting approach with great potential for industry and future energy systems. Thanks to Stephanie Meitz, Bettina Muster and Christoph Brunner for traveling from Gleisdorf and congratulations!
2nd place (ex aequo) - ehoch2 & i.n.n. | HELIOPLANT®
An innovative alpine PV concept that shows how energy potential at high altitudes can be tapped efficiently - through intelligent site selection, special system design and optimized alignment. An approach that sets an example for future PV solutions. Many thanks to Florian & Nina Jamschek, who traveled from Innsbruck to accept this award on behalf of HELIOPLANT® - congratulations!
The LIMES Future Prize is more than just an award for us.
It is a commitment to a shared energy future that we are actively shaping - with ideas that push boundaries.
Congratulations to all the winners—we look forward to seeing these projects continue to grow together and to many more innovative ideas for the next LIMES 2026 submission deadline!
Press release: Limes Future Prize Energy Park Bruck | oekonews.at - Networking
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