Austria's energy transition: Ground-mounted PV as the key to achieving goals
Find out more about the new dual leadership of the KPÖ Innviertel with Auzinger and Füssel. The focus is on your vision for a sustainable energy transition and the expansion of photovoltaics in Austria.

Austria's energy transition: Ground-mounted PV as the key to achieving goals
In recent months, the topic of the energy transition has become increasingly important in Austria. In particular, the use of ground-mounted photovoltaics (PV) is at the center of the discussion. Experts, including Hubert Fechner, chairman of the photovoltaics technology platform, have emphatically emphasized that Austria can only achieve its ambitious climate goals with the massive use of ground-mounted PV.
According to a current study by Fechner, it is clear that Austria will need an additional increase in photovoltaic energy of up to 21 terawatt hours by 2030. He points out that the potential on existing buildings and other infrastructure will not be nearly sufficient to meet these requirements. Instead, the focus must be on the use of open spaces to generate the required amounts of energy.
The path to the energy transition
The energy transition includes a series of measures aimed at replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy. As part of this transition, photovoltaic technology is particularly promising. This process converts sunlight into electrical power and is therefore an important pillar of sustainable energy supply.
Fechner explains that Austria already has promising areas that, if used for PV generation, offer considerable potential. However, these areas could also provide farmers with additional income by combining agriculture and energy production. Integrating PV into agricultural uses could increase acceptance among the population as agriculture continues to exist.
There are also challenges that need to be overcome. The bureaucratic burden of permits and other legal hurdles are often a major obstacle to the implementation of PV projects. It currently requires time and patience to clarify the necessary regulations and get the projects off the ground.
Another critical point is social acceptance. While many support the benefits of renewable energy, there are also reservations about converting agricultural land into energy production land. This could lead to conflicts that need to be resolved in order to enable growth in this area.
Overall, Hubert Fechner comes to the conclusion that without a clear strategy and increased use of ground-mounted PV, Austria may miss its climate targets by 2030. Environmental protection and energy supply must go hand in hand, and the use of open spaces offers the ideal solution to sustainably meet growing demand.
Further details and background information on these findings and the current situation of photovoltaics in Austria can be found in numerous studies and reports that are published on the Photovoltaics Technology Platform website and other specialist portals.