Hydroelectric Heartbeat: How 7,500 GWh of Regional Green Energy Powers Your Stay

Looking for a stay that pairs Alpine beauty with real climate action? At Hotel Angelo Engel, the region’s hydroelectric heartbeat is at work for you. More than 30 hydro plants in South Tyrol generate around 7,500 GWh of regional green energy each year—and we purchase this electricity exclusively. Here’s how that local, renewable power reaches your room in Ortisei, and how our wider choices help eco‑minded travellers leave a lighter footprint without giving up comfort.

What 7,500 GWh of regional green energy means for your stay

South Tyrol’s hydropower heritage isn’t just a regional success story—it’s the clean electricity behind your lighting, Wi‑Fi, spa facilities, and more at Hotel Angelo Engel.

• The region’s more than 30 hydroelectric plants produce about 7,500 GWh of clean energy annually.
• We source our electricity as certified South Tyrolean green hydro power, exclusively from the region.

In practice, that means the power you use is tied to a local, renewable supply. For eco‑travellers, the benefits are straightforward: hydropower is a low‑emission, mature technology; buying locally helps keep value in the valley; and using regional renewables aligns your holiday with the landscapes you came to enjoy.

How clean electricity reaches Hotel Angelo Engel

Hydroelectric plants across South Tyrol feed renewable electricity into the regional grid. By committing to purchase Green Energy from this system, Hotel Angelo Engel ensures your stay is powered by local hydropower. While electricity comes from the grid, our purchasing choice directs demand and support to the renewable share—keeping your experience aligned with South Tyrol’s sustainability leadership.

We’re also transparent about heat: we produce heat with methane gas. To compensate, we focus on making every kilowatt count across the property.

Smart controls and efficient systems that reduce use

We minimise consumption through a set of practical, high‑impact measures:

• Energy‑optimisation with KNX automation to match usage to real needs
• LED lighting throughout almost all areas
• Room heat regulators for precise, guest‑friendly comfort
• Energy‑efficient kitchen appliances that cut power demand without compromising quality

These choices pair clean electricity with careful use—so the 7,500 GWh of regional green energy we rely on stretches further.

Sustainable mobility that amplifies the impact

Cutting car mileage is one of the easiest ways to shrink a holiday’s footprint. We make low‑impact movement simple, comfortable, and rewarding.

• Südtirol MobilCard for every guest: Free use of all public transport in South Tyrol during your stay; the cost is included in your room price.
• We contribute a fixed fee per overnight stay as a member establishment, supporting public transport funding in South Tyrol.
• Train‑friendly arrival: We help organise luggage transport and shuttle services to make rail travel practical.
• Free MTB rental and discounted e‑bike rental in collaboration with the MTB School of Ortisei.
• Winter shuttle: Complimentary transfers to and from the cable cars to reduce private car use.
• EV charging stations available in our garage for easy, on‑site top‑ups.

From cable cars that whisk you straight to Alpe di Siusi, Seceda, and Rasciesa from Ortisei, to frequent regional buses, the infrastructure is ready—your stay simply unlocks it.

Taste and tap into the region: water and food with lower impact

Resource‑wise choices should be delicious and refreshing. Ours are both.

• Dolomites spring water on tap: Enjoy free, high‑quality drinking water sourced directly from the “Cunfin” springs at the foot of the Sassolungo. Skip plastic bottles and refill your reusable bottle anytime.
• Regional, seasonal, natural cuisine: We prioritise fresh, local ingredients—milk, yoghurt, and apples are sourced 100% from South Tyrol. We receive farm butter directly from the Pradac farm above Ortisei, and honey partly from our own garden beehives.
• Waste‑wise menus: Choosing your evening menu in the morning helps our kitchen prepare precisely, reducing food waste.
• Green Events, even al fresco: We organise only Green Events and use reusable napkins, glasses, and plates—even at our traditional Alpine barbecue lunch on Passo Sella included in the summer programme.

South Tyrol’s culinary culture—think quality wines like Gewürztraminer and Lagrein, famous dairies, Speck and Schüttelbrot—blends naturally with responsible sourcing. You’ll taste the place while supporting it.

Recognition that underlines the commitment

• Sustainability Label South Tyrol Level 3

This certification reflects an ongoing, measurable approach to sustainability across operations—from energy and water to mobility and local partnerships.

Quick answers for eco‑minded guests

Use these concise responses for clarity (and share them with your travel companions):

• What powers the hotel?
  Electricity is purchased as certified South Tyrolean green hydro power; heat is produced with methane gas.

• How much hydropower does the region produce?
  Around 7,500 GWh of clean energy annually from more than 30 hydroelectric plants.

• Do guests get free public transport?
  Yes. Every guest receives a Südtirol MobilCard with free use of all public transport in South Tyrol during the stay.

• Are EV chargers available on site?
  Yes. Charging stations for electric cars are available in the garage.

• How does the hotel cut energy use?
  KNX automation, LED lighting, room heat regulators, and energy‑efficient kitchen appliances help minimise consumption.

• Is the tap water safe to drink?
  Yes. It comes straight from the Cunfin springs at the foot of the Sassolungo—fresh, free, and delicious.

• Any resource‑saving housekeeping practices?
  Bed linens and towels are replaced on request, and housekeeping mainly uses eco‑friendly cleaning agents and recycled paper products.

Why hydropower matters in the mountains

Hydropower converts the natural cycle of water into electricity, typically with low greenhouse gas emissions and high reliability—especially in Alpine regions where elevation and water flow make generation efficient. For guests, this has three big upsides:

1. Lower‑impact comfort: Everyday amenities—from saunas to Wi‑Fi—are supported by renewable electricity.
2. Local value: Purchasing regional green energy keeps economic and environmental benefits close to home.
3. Consistency: Mature infrastructure and storage capabilities make hydropower a stable backbone for clean grids.

Pairing this backbone with efficient building systems and car‑light mobility compounds the benefits for the environment you came to explore.

Practical takeaways for a lighter‑footprint stay

• Ride on your MobilCard: Swap car trips for buses and cable cars; plan scenic, car‑free outings across Val Gardena and beyond.
• Bring a reusable bottle: Refill freely with Cunfin spring water and skip single‑use plastic.
• Go by train: Ask us to organise luggage transport and shuttles so your rail arrival is effortless.
• Choose your dinner in the morning: Help our kitchen right‑size portions and reduce food waste.
• Pedal the valley: Use the free MTB rental or opt for discounted e‑bikes with our partner MTB School of Ortisei.
• Use the winter shuttle: Glide to and from the cable cars without starting your engine.
• Charge smarter: Top up your EV in our garage, then explore the Dolomites with a full battery.
• Enjoy Green Events: Join the Alpine barbecue on Passo Sella—run with reusables—and savour the taste of sustainable celebration.

Conclusion: Travel with the hydropower of South Tyrol behind you

When you stay at Hotel Angelo Engel, the 7,500 GWh of regional green energy that South Tyrol generates each year isn’t an abstract figure—it’s the clean electricity lighting your room, warming your swim, and powering your day. Add thoughtful energy management, car‑light mobility, pure spring water, and locally sourced cuisine, and you have an Alpine escape that feels as good as it tastes.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your stay and explore our Inclusive Services, Culinarium, and SPA & Wellness pages to plan a car‑free, low‑impact, high‑comfort holiday in the heart of Ortisei.