Austria's path to climate neutrality: Experts discuss urgently necessary steps!

Austria's path to climate neutrality: Experts discuss urgently necessary steps!

Austria pursues ambitious goals in energy policy. The country would like to become climate -neutral by 2040 and will cover the entire electricity requirement from renewable energies by 2030. This important agenda was a central part of the discussion at the "Top Speakers Lounge" of the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Austria-Liechtenstein (HKSöl), in which experts such as Susanna Zapreva von Verbund, Michael Sponring from PWC Austria, Urs Meister of the Federal Electricity Commission Elcom and Barbara Schmidt from Austria's energy. The discussion was led by Petra Stuiber, editor of the standard.

An important topic of the expert talks were the high tariffs that US President Donald Trump collected on photovoltaic modules. Michael Sponring pointed out that these tariffs could lead to increasing prices for photovoltaic modules, while overproduction can also lead to falling prices. Barbara Schmidt also emphasized the enormous costs of around 15 billion euros that Austria spends annually for fossil energy imports and the urgent need to invest in renewable energies.

necessary adjustments in the energy industry

The discussion also illustrated the social dimension of the energy transformation. Susanna Zapreva pointed out that Austria had to remain competitive, while Urs Meister emphasized that efficient mechanisms for integrating renewable energies are necessary in the market and the networks. A central topic was the adaptation of the network tariffs to dampen cost increases and increase the number of payers. Both Sponring and Schmidt agreed that the network tariffs should be designed depending on the performance.

These considerations are particularly relevant in the context of a current study that shows that Austria is in a decisive phase of the energy transition. Despite a conscious wish for change, there is no consistent implementation of these goals. According to the study, 53 % of the respondents require more political measures to promote the energy transition, while a decline in their own involvement for energy -saving measures has been determined with only 40 % of the respondents who actively lower their electricity consumption and 32 % that reduce the room temperature.

challenges and opportunities

The challenge lies in the discrepancy between the awareness of climate protection and the measures actually taken. While the majority of people want more political initiatives, the will to change in the population is felt. The study points out that clear political lines, financial incentives and comprehensive educational work are needed to support the Austrians in their mobility transition and the use of renewable energies.

Another aspect that came up in the discussions is electromobility. Lower operating costs and government subsidies could advance, even if the lack of affordable electric vehicles continues to be an obstacle.

The joint effort of all actors, both on a political and social level, will be crucial to achieve Austria's goal of climate neutrality. The way there requires not only technical innovation, but also the commitment and active participation of the entire population.

For more information you can use the detailed reporting on Leadersnet and the comprehensive study by Deloitte view.