Austria's energy transition: open space PV as the key to climate goals

Austria's energy transition: open space PV as the key to climate goals

The energy transition in Austria faces a challenging task, and experts emphasize that open space PV systems will play a crucial role. Hubert Fechner, the chairman of the technology platform Photovoltaics, presented clear results in a current study.

The study shows that Austria has to increase its photovoltaic energy by up to 21 Terawatt hours by 2030 in order to meet the national climate targets. Fechner points out that the areas that are currently available on roofs and other infrastructures will not be sufficient to achieve this ambitious goal.

Need of open space PV

To close the gap, the construction of photovoltaic systems is essential on open spaces. This could be done in the form of solar fields in rural areas or on unused areas. One point that Fechner also emphasizes is the urgent need to identify suitable areas and create the legal framework in order to be able to implement these projects quickly.

The discussion about the use of open spaces is not new, but it is becoming increasingly important. Experts agree that it is not only about the expansion of capacities, but also about the care in the planning and implementation of the projects in order to avoid negative effects on nature and the landscape.

Another aspect that Fechner emphasizes in his study is the need to work on innovative technologies that make it possible to use solar energy more efficient and thus further reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. Only a comprehensive approach can successfully design the energy transition and achieve the climate goals.

The comprehensive requirements and challenges associated with the implementation of such a project are the focus of the current discussions. Many voices from the population and politics become loud and demand a quick action.