VOICED : Rotting wood turns Austrias poorest town into green mecca

The video discusses the transformation of a region near the Hungarian border through massive investments in renewable energy and green technology. This investment has led to significant job creation and economic growth, making the town the first in the EU to produce all its heat and power from renewable sources. The success of the biomass plant has been exported to other countries, and the region has seen a positive economic impact by retaining money previously spent on fossil fuels. However, the higher cost of locally generated clean energy compared to fossil fuels has caused some dissatisfaction among locals.

What was the primary factor that transformed the region near the Hungarian border?

• Agricultural advancements

• Investment in renewable energy

• Tourism development

• Mining industry growth

Which industry provides the wood waste used for green energy production in the town?

• Agriculture

• Fishing

• Timber

• Mining

What was the significant achievement of the town in 2001?

• Hosting a major international conference

• Becoming a tourist hotspot

• Producing all heat and power from renewable sources

• Winning an environmental award

How does the local economy benefit from the renewable energy initiative?

• By reducing agricultural costs

• By exporting fossil fuels

• By retaining money within the region

• By increasing tourism

What concern do some locals have about the clean energy initiative?

• It reduces job opportunities

• It causes more pollution

• It is more expensive than fossil fuels

• It is less reliable than fossil fuels