Austria's photovoltaic strategy in the fight against the climate crisis has now been published

The Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation & Technology has published the Austrian photovoltaic strategy. This groundbreaking initiative was recently presented in a press release written by Hubert Fechner, chairman of the Austrian Photovoltaic Technology Platform. The strategy focuses, among other things, on optimizing the legal framework, economic aspects such as attractive investment conditions and the efficient use of energy infrastructure, promoting acceptance and citizen participation, as well as domestic value creation and research in PV innovation. Austria is thus taking clear steps towards energy sovereignty and a sustainable future. We would particularly like to mention the urgency of the Electricity Industry Act (ELWG), which should now be implemented quickly.

The energy transition, with the aim of switching completely to renewable electricity generation by 2030, is an essential building block in the fight against the climate crisis. Photovoltaics (PV) plays a central role in this. In this context, the Austrian PV strategy has now been published.

Successful development of photovoltaics in Austria

Austria can look back proudly on the development of photovoltaics to date. No other country has experienced a comparable expansion per capita, and the increase was particularly significant last year. This marks the beginning of our further goals. The goals for 2030 are ambitious, but we are aiming for climate neutrality by 2040 and want to achieve 41 TWh. This is still a long way from the current 7 TWh. A clear strategy is necessary to achieve this goal.

Key points of the Austrian PV strategy

The strategy is based on six key areas. First, legal and regulatory frameworks must be created to optimize both building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and open-space systems. Investors should be attracted by attractive conditions, while citizen participation is encouraged through energy communities. Another aspect is the integration of storage and electromobility. The Electricity Industry Act (ELWG) is particularly called for, which should cover important aspects of grid integration and the further development of photovoltaics. In order to increase acceptance among the population, fact-based information and the clarification of critical questions are necessary. Another focus of the PV strategy is on domestic value creation. Installation and assembly are typically carried out in Austria, and module production is increasingly taking place in China. The EU bonus is a first step to reduce dependence on China. Finally, Austria and Europe should take a leading role through innovation and research and contribute to energy sovereignty.

Why a PV strategy now?

Photovoltaics has taken on a pioneering role within renewable energies. We have made great progress and PV is more relevant than ever. Therefore, the framework conditions must be continuously coordinated and adapted to the goals.

Austria is strong in PV niches such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and agri-PV. It is crucial to continue to expand and develop these niches. Our goal is European energy sovereignty. PV must be given the importance it deserves. The successes to date prove that we are on the right track.

You can follow the press conference directly here from minute 9:55:

Download der PV Strategie: