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The Freenberg transmission system in Linz, through which ORF radio and television programs are broadcast, has received a large photovoltaic system. This generates enough energy for the equivalent of 50 single-family homes. A third of this will be used to power the transmission system, and the rest will flow into the power grid.
The state's oldest transmitter is located in Freienberg. It was built in 1928 as a medium-wave transmitter and now supplies up to half a million citizens with radio and television programming. In addition, the facility serves as an important site for mobile and government radio, and is part of critical infrastructure, now powered by solar energy. “The transmitter in Freienberg supplies the greater Linz area with around 40 TV programmes, and is therefore very important for TV reception,” says Rudolf Mayer, broadcast technician at ORS. “Together with the Lichtenberg transmission system, it supplies most of Upper Austria. This photovoltaic system generates “Electricity for about 50 families throughout the year. We will use a third of that amount directly for our broadcast equipment.”
Streaming uses more energy
This is expected to save 116 tons of carbon dioxide every year. Distributing a TV program via antenna uses much less electricity than broadcasting – for comparison, one hour of broadcast or 2 hours and 23 minutes of TV broadcast via antenna uses the same energy.
