Focus on climate protection: Industry event shows ways to achieve CO2 neutrality!

Focus on climate protection: Industry event shows ways to achieve CO2 neutrality!

On June 9, 2025, the event “Clean Industrial Deal: From a cost factor to a growth engine” took place at the Austrian World Summit Solutions Hub in Asparn an der Zaya. This was organized by the Lower Austrian Industrial Association (IV-NÖ) and had the aim of discussing the necessary transformation of the industry towards climate neutrality. The event was opened by Wilfried Sihn, an expert from the Fraunhofer Institute Austria, with a keynote in which he emphasized the importance of economically viable climate protection measures. IV-NÖ President Kari Ochsner emphasized the need for a restart of the Austrian industry, with responsibility and leadership being crucial. Sustainability must be viewed as a business case in order to achieve real transformation.

There are around 2,700 green tech companies operating in Austria, providing over 100,000 jobs in related sectors and, with an annual turnover of over 15 billion euros, exporting around 72% of their turnover. To support this change, a number of requirements have been defined, including competitive energy prices, the implementation of the Renewable Expansion Acceleration Act (EABG) and accelerated grid expansion.

EU initiatives for industrial transformation

The event is part of a broader initiative presented by the European Commission to shape the Clean Industrial Deal. The central strategy covers six areas of action that are crucial for the transformation of the European economy: affordable energy, lead markets, financing, circular economy and access to raw materials, global markets and international partnerships and skills. The aim of these measures is the successful decarbonization of European industry. The EU Commission recognizes European industry as a key player in the development of clean technologies and sees the implementation of the proposals under the Polish Presidency as necessary quickly in order to strengthen competitiveness.

Significant developments in European energy policy in recent years, including the Green Deal, have contributed to stabilizing and reducing energy prices. For example, new renewable energy capacity was installed in 2023: 56 GW in solar energy and 16 GW in wind power. Gas demand has also fallen by 18% compared to pre-crisis levels.

A clear vision for the future

Elisabeth Zehetner, State Secretary, emphasized that energy policy is also location policy. A main goal is to reduce network fees in order to ensure the competitiveness of companies. In this context, Wilfried Sihn called for a strategic approach to converting production systems and presented findings on sustainable value creation systems. The need for a strong industrial policy commitment at EU level was also addressed in order to position Austria as a pioneer in strategic industrial policy.

In conclusion, the discussions covered economic, social and environmental requirements for industrial policy. The challenges but also opportunities of climate neutrality are the focus of political initiatives and will be crucial for the future development of the European economy. The EU's strategic measures aim to enable comprehensive and rapid change to meet climate goals and strengthen the competitiveness of European industry.