Standstill of the energy transition: Austria has to act now!

Standstill of the energy transition: Austria has to act now!

The energy transition in Austria faces considerable challenges. Despite the binding requirements of the EU Directive Red III, progress in the federal states has so far been sobering. According to [Oekonews] (https://www2.oekonews.at/stalk-bei-der-energieben- enema-energy-oesterreich-demand-Klare-specific-vom-bund+2400+1227019) there is a lack of defined areas for the expansion of renewable energies. Martina Prechtl-Grundnig, managing director of renewable Energie Austria (EEÖ), criticizes the slow action of the nine federal states. The central challenge is to show suitable areas as soon as possible in order to meet the requirements of Red III.

The Red III, which was published on October 31, 2023 in the EU's Official Journal and came into force on November 20, 2023, the Member States not only obliged to designate areas for renewable energies, but also to implement measures to increase the proportion of renewable energies to at least 42.5 % of the final energy consumption. This requirement was reformed with regard to climate protection and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and represents an important step towards climate neutrality.

missed deadlines and challenges

The current status in Austria is alarming: The deadline for area survey ends on May 21, 2025, but no federal state has already completed it. This could have serious consequences for national energy policy. It is also unclear how acceleration areas for renewable energies are to be shown from February 2026, since some federal states have only defined exclusion zones, which is considered a step backwards.

Florian Stangl, an expert in energy and European law, indicates the paradoxical situation: While the EU expects clear results from the federal government, the countries remain behind the requirements. The legal responsibility of the implementation of Red III lies in the federal states, while the federal government is accountable to the EU.

future goals and necessary measures

The federal government must implement the necessary measures by the deadline. Central points include the introduction of a renewable expansion acceleration law (EABG), which is intended to create uniform regulations and make the necessary areas available. According to schoenherr.eu, procedures for the interpretation and approval must also be significantly accelerated in order to meet the requirements of Red III.

The guideline also provides specific sector goals: In the heat sector, for example, an annual increase in the proportion of renewable energies is determined. A minimum share of renewable energy sources of 29 % by 2030 is also planned in traffic. These obligations are intended to help reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and to reduce pollution. Further Details on the sector regulations can be found on the pages of the European Parliament.

a rapid and consistent implementation of Red III is of the greatest importance. Climate neutrality by 2040 is the declared goal, but without clear specifications and quickly implementable measures, the energy transition in Austria remains a challenging undertaking.