Economic Minister is calling for a change of course: Energy costs must decrease!

Economic Minister is calling for a change of course: Energy costs must decrease!

Österreich - Federal Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer spoke as part of an interview about the challenges of the Austria business location and the pressing topics of climate protection. He particularly emphasizes the need to reduce bureaucracy and get the high energy and wage costs under control. According to Hattmannsdorfer, the savings in the Ministry of Economic Affairs are to be increased by 15 percent, while existing grants are to be evaluated at the same time. "The motto climate protection for every electricity price was a mistake," he says in the context and calls for a course correction in energy policy to adequately combine price, security of supply and environmental protection. This step is necessary to secure Austria's competitiveness in times of rising wage costs.

The climate bonus was abolished and the educational leave was subjected to a realignment. In the efforts to stabilize energy prices, Hattmannsdorfer plans a multi -level package of measures, which also includes the expansion of renewable energies. He emphasizes that an acceleration of approval procedures for renewable energies is sought, but without violating the fundamental rights of the citizens. Hattmannsdorfer also emphasizes that the Austrian Bundes- und Beteiligungs AG (ÖBAG) should be used strategically in order to further expand key areas such as energy and telecommunications.

measures and challenges

Hattmannsdorfer has already announced several measures to revive the business location in the first year of its term, including the abolition of the standard consumption tax (Nova) for small trucks. He describes the working atmosphere in the triple coalition as positive, despite the different approaches. In view of the geopolitical challenges, among other things in the context of customs disputes with the United States, the minister calls for a closed procedure of the EU. If no deal comes about, possible countermeasures are also conceivable.

A comprehensive context for these topics provides a current study by Ecoaustria on behalf of Oecolution Austria. This study warns of the economic challenges of climate change that must be taken seriously. In the event of global warming of up to two degrees, Austria will have to expect annual damage of up to 10.8 billion euros by 2050. It is shown that investments in climate dilient infrastructure and technological innovations are necessary to reduce value creation through climate change. According to the study, the real GDP could increase by almost 13 billion euros annually in the event of strong warming and up to 26,000 new jobs could arise.

climate adjustment as necessary to act

Elisabeth Zehetner from Oecolution Austria emphasizes that climate adaptation is an essential addition to existing climate protection measures. In order to develop an effective adaptation strategy, the study recommends several steps: the use of synergies by energetic building renovations, the promotion of private investments through tax incentives, the strengthening of research and innovation in the field of climate -friendly technologies and the expansion of climate risk insurance. These measures could not only create sustainable growth impulses, but also secure jobs.

According to the study, it is crucial that the future government is tackling ambitious measures for climate protection and climate adjustment. Important points are the creation of a secure and affordable energy supply, the faster approval processes for renewable energies and the expansion of gas pipeline capacities. At the same time, Austria should orientate itself on the EU goal 2050 and drive the expansion of photovoltaics, wind power and hydrogen to ensure a sustainable economic structure.

summarized it is clear that both Hattmannsdorfer and the current study see an urgent need for action in order to secure Austria's competitiveness and to address the necessary climatic changes. Strategic decisions will be essential to ensure both economic stability and the necessary environmental and climate protection.