Renewable energy from the depths

In 2018, she played a key role in the realisation of a deep geothermal project in Garching an der Alz (Bavaria). Two deep boreholes, each over 5,000 metres long, supply hot thermal water from the Bavarian molasse and enable a year-round, renewable supply of electricity and heat - independent of wind, water and sun. RAG Austria AG - her employer, Austria's largest energy storage company, is also one of Europe's leading technical storage operators.

Even as a child, Karoline Steixner was interested in technology, engines and vehicles. The decision to attend the Vienna University of Economics and Business after graduating from high school was characterised more by pragmatism than passion. During her studies, she discovered her enthusiasm for the energy industry and wrote her bachelor's thesis on the topic of municipal PV systems in collaboration with TIWAG. In her search for a suitable Master's programme, she came across the programme at Burgenland University of Applied Sciences. As an economics graduate, she had to catch up on a lot of technical knowledge in the initial phase of the "Sustainable Energy Systems" programme, which was a challenge. But with hard work and ambition, she quickly achieved top marks.

During her studies, she specialised in solar and geothermal energy, with a particular interest in deep geothermal energy. She wrote her master's thesis in collaboration with RAG Austria AG and joined the company in 2015. In 2022, she took over as head of the Renewables & Decarbonisation team and is now working on sustainable energy mining. The focus here is on the optimal subsequent use of deep boreholes, reservoirs and other mining areas, for example by installing PV systems on the surface, using geothermal energy or storing gaseous energy sources underground.

Karoline Steixner appreciates the diversity of her profession, which is strongly characterised by innovation. RAG Austria AG is the first company in the world to store hydrogen underground in a former gas reservoir - a pioneering project that plays a key role in achieving national and international climate targets. The subjects she learnt during her studies, such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and drive technology, are particularly helpful.

"RAG is characterised by enormous innovative strength and visionary action. In addition to energy storage, the company has had a clear focus on hydrogen technologies for over 10 years. I am currently working on various topics relating to hydrogen production, seasonal energy storage and the development of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure," says Steixner.

"The course provided an excellent overview of all renewable energy systems, so I was able to make an informed decision about which topics I would like to specialise in."