Austria’s coalition government has reached an agreement on a new law designed to accelerate the expansion of renewable energy sources, a move spurred by recent energy crises and the require to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The legislation, known as the Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Beschleunigungs-Gesetz (EABG), aims to significantly increase the country’s annual electricity production from renewable sources by 27 terawatt-hours by 2030.
Under the new law, each Austrian state will be required to meet specific renewable energy targets, including the installation of wind turbines in regions where they are currently absent, such as Salzburg, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg. Financial incentives will be offered to states and municipalities that support the expansion, while those that fail to meet their goals could face funding cuts and penalties. The legislation requires a two-thirds majority in the National Council for approval.
The agreement comes after months of discussion and a first draft was put out for consultation last fall. The government, comprised of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), and NEOS, initially presented the proposal as one of several key energy projects last summer. The recent energy crisis, exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East, has increased pressure on the government to expedite the energy transition.
The law seeks to streamline approval processes for renewable energy projects, including solar and wind farms, energy storage facilities, and biogas plants. It establishes “one-stop-shop” procedures for permits, particularly for photovoltaic and smaller wind and hydropower projects, and grants renewable energy projects “overriding public interest” status during the approval process. This move underscores the government’s commitment to achieving its ambitious climate goals.
However, the Green Party has expressed disappointment with the current draft, stating it “still requires significant improvements.” Green energy spokesperson Lukas Hammer criticized the proposed acreage targets as “completely inadequate,” arguing that the draft does not reflect the “urgency of the task” or the government’s own announcements.
