Austria's Annual Coal Consumption: How Much And Why?

Austria's coal consumption has been steadily decreasing over the last decade. In 2023, industry accounted for 73% of coal consumption, while power plants consumed 11% of the country's coal. This is a significant shift from 2010, when power plants consumed 42% of the country's coal. Between 2003 and 2023, coal consumption in Austria halved, falling below 3.5 Mt. The last coal plant in Austria closed in 2020, although the government considered reopening it in 2022.

Coal consumption in Austria has halved between 2003 and 2023

Austria's electricity consumption has also been falling by 3%/year since 2021, reaching 63 TWh in 2023. This decrease is likely due in part to the Covid pandemic, which caused a 3.4% drop in 2020.

Despite these decreases in coal and electricity consumption, Austria has exceeded its national target for renewable energy. By 2020, the country aimed to increase the share of renewables in gross final energy consumption to 34%, and it exceeded this target by 2.5 points.

In 2023, industry accounted for 73% of coal consumption

The high level of coal consumption by industry in 2023 is notable, especially when compared to the decrease in coal consumption by power plants. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as changes in energy policies, economic conditions, or technological advancements. It is also worth noting that coal consumption in Austria has been on a downward trend since 2003, with a significant drop occurring between 2020 and 2023, possibly due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the closure of the last coal plant.

The decrease in coal consumption by power plants could be attributed to a shift towards other energy sources, such as natural gas or renewable energy. In 2023, natural gas consumption in Austria was close to its 1990 level, with industry consuming 41% of the natural gas, power plants 23%, and the residential tertiary sector 22%. This indicates a diversification of energy sources in the country.

Additionally, Austria has made significant progress in increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix. The national target to increase the share of renewables in gross final energy consumption to 34% by 2020 was exceeded by 2.5 points. This trend towards renewable energy is further evidenced by the expansion of hydropower in the country. In 2021, hydropower provided 14.1 GW and accounted for 54% of Austria's total installed power generation capacity and 58% of total power generation.

Power plants consumed 11% of the country's coal in 2023

In 2023, power plants in Austria consumed 11% of the country's coal. This is a significant decrease from 2010, when power plants consumed 42% of the country's coal. The decrease in coal consumption by power plants can be attributed to several factors, including the closure of the last coal plant in 2020, the increase in renewable energy sources, and the impact of the Covid pandemic.

According to statistics, Austria's electricity consumption decreased by 3%/year since 2021, reaching 63 TWh in 2023. This decline can be partly attributed to the shift towards renewable energy sources. In 2023, the share of renewables in gross final energy consumption exceeded the national target of 34% set for 2020.

While power plants consumed 11% of the country's coal in 2023, the industry sector accounted for the majority of coal consumption, with a share of 73%. This is a 30-point increase compared to 2010. The specific industries driving this consumption are not specified, but it is likely that energy-intensive industries, such as manufacturing or heavy industry, contribute significantly to coal usage.

It is worth noting that Austria has made notable progress in transitioning away from coal. Between 2003 and 2023, coal consumption halved, falling below 3.5 Mt. Additionally, the country has invested significantly in renewable energy sources, particularly hydropower. In 2021, hydropower provided 14.1 GW of power and accounted for 54% of Austria's total installed power generation capacity and 58% of total power generation.

Austria's last coal plant closed in 2020

Austria's last coal plant, Verbund's Mellach, closed in April 2020. This made Austria the second European country to totally eliminate coal from electricity production, after Belgium in 2016. The closure was the result of years of successful campaigning by the Austrian NGO Global 2000, which has been advocating for a coal exit and a focus on renewables.

The Austrian government has set itself ambitious renewable energy goals, aiming to produce 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This target has been exceeded, with renewables accounting for 36.5% of gross final energy consumption in 2020.

Coal consumption in Austria has been decreasing in recent years. Between 2003 and 2023, coal consumption halved to fall below 3.5 Mt. In 2023, industry accounted for 73% of coal consumption, while power plants consumed 11%*.

The closure of the last coal plant in Austria was a significant step towards the country's goal of transitioning to a 100% renewable-based energy system.

The government considered reopening the plant in 2022

The government considered reopening the last coal plant in 2022. The plant had closed in 2020, and by 2023, coal consumption in Austria had halved between 2003 and 2023 to fall below 3.5 Mt. In 2023, industry accounted for 73% of coal consumption, while power plants consumed 11% of the country's coal.

Austria's electricity consumption decreased by 3.4% in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, and by 3%/year since 2021 to 63 TWh in 2023. The country exceeded its national target to increase the share of renewables in gross final energy consumption to 34% by 2020 by 2.5 points.

Austria's largest energy business is OMV AG, a multinational integrated oil, gas and petrochemical company, which had a turnover of €36 billion in 2021. In 2021, hydropower provided 14.1 GW and accounted for 54% of Austria’s total installed power generation capacity and 58% of total power generation.

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