Austria's energy transition: How open space PV can secure the future

Austria's energy transition: How open space PV can secure the future

In Austria, the need to promote the energy transition is increasingly being discussed. The establishment of open space-photovoltaic systems plays a central role in this debate. In a recent study, Hubert Fechner, the chairman of the technology platform photovoltaics, highlighted the important challenges and possibilities that are connected to the implementation of this energy transition.

The Austrians have ambitious climate goals. By 2030, a significant increase in photovoltaic energy is to be achieved by up to 21 terawatt hours (TWH). However, Fechner argues that the potential of the photovoltaic systems that are installed on roofs of buildings and other infrastructures will not be "sufficient" in order to meet these ambitious targets.

energy future through open space PV

Fechner's study underlines that it is necessary to also use agricultural areas and other open spaces for the installation of photovoltaic systems. This form of energy production, in which large areas are equipped with solar modules, could make a decisive contribution to the energy transition. The expert emphasizes the urgency of quickly identifying and developing suitable areas in order to achieve the required energy efficiency.

The discussion about open space PV also raises questions about land use and ecological tolerance. There is a challenge to pull the use of these systems with nature conservation in order to minimize the negative effects on the environment.