Lyla Lindsey
Austria's electricity supply is currently a mix of hydro, wind, solar, oil, and natural gas. The country has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, with a goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030. To achieve this, Austria plans to significantly increase its solar and wind power capacity. In terms of electrical outlets and plugs, Austria uses types C and F, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. If you're travelling to Austria from a country with different voltage or frequency standards, you may need a power converter or a travel adapter to use your electronic devices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plug Types | C and F |
| Standard Voltage | 230V |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Dual Voltage Range | 110-240V |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's electricity providers
Austria has a well-developed energy network, with electricity available across the country. The standard voltage is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz, and power plugs and sockets are of type C and F.
Historically, the Austrian energy market was organised on a regional level, through local, state-owned gas and electricity monopolies that both operated the network and supplied energy. Following liberalisation, there are now several regional and national providers for gas and electricity. Many of these regional suppliers are the former state-owned monopolies that still act as the default supplier for homes in their area.
When setting up utilities in Austria, you will need two contracts: a network usage contract with your local network operator and an energy supply contract with your chosen electricity provider. Rates can vary significantly between suppliers, and many offer combination packages for electricity and gas, as well as other products like district heating and internet. Some providers also offer greener energy options, with power sourced from renewable sources.
Austria is one of Europe's leaders in renewable energy, investing heavily in sustainability initiatives. VERBUND, Austria's leading electricity company, specialises in safe electricity generation from water, wind, and solar energy. They also offer a practical charging solution for electric vehicles, with e-charging available at home and on the go.
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Plug types and voltage
If you are planning a trip to Austria, it is important to know whether you will need a power adapter or converter for any electrical appliances you plan to take with you. Austria uses two types of power plugs and sockets (also known as outlets): type C and type F. Type C outlets have two round pins, while type F has two round pins and two earth clips on the side. Type F sockets are now the standard in Austria, though older properties may have type C sockets.
The standard voltage in Austria is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If you are travelling to Austria from a country with a voltage of between 220V and 250V (such as other European countries, Australia, and most of Asia), you will be able to use your appliances in Austria without a voltage converter. However, if the voltage in your country is 100V-127V (as in the US, Canada, and most of South America), you will need a voltage converter for any appliances that are not dual voltage-rated.
Dual voltage-rated appliances will typically display something like 'INPUT: 110-240V' or '100-240V 50/60Hz'. If you cannot find this information on the device or power adapter itself, check the manual or contact the manufacturer. Many modern devices, such as smartphone chargers, are dual voltage, but you may still need an adapter to plug the charger into an Austrian outlet.
If you need to buy a power adapter, you can find them online on e-commerce websites like Amazon or eBay, or at major airports. If you travel frequently, consider buying a universal adapter. Alternatively, many modern hotels are equipped with several types of electrical outlets, so it may be worth calling your hotel to check.
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Energy sources
Austria's electricity demands are met by a combination of energy sources, with a heavy reliance on hydropower. The country also imports oil and natural gas to support its energy needs. Verbund AG, Austria's largest electricity provider, covers around 40% of the country's electricity demands, with 90% of its energy generated through hydropower.
Austria's commitment to renewable energy sources is evident, with a target of 34% renewable energy by 2020, set by the Austrian Environment Minister, Nikolaus Berlakovich. The country plans to achieve 100% self-sufficiency in energy by 2050. To meet these goals, Austria has been steadily increasing its capacity for wind and solar power. Between 2000 and 2023, wind power capacity increased from 77 MW to 3,573 MW. In 2022, 1.4 GW of solar energy capacity was added, with more planned for the future.
Photovoltaic systems also play a role in Austria's renewable energy mix, contributing almost 6% to domestic electricity production in 2022. The country passed the Renewable-Expansion-Act in 2021, aiming for 100% renewable electricity by 2030. This ambitious goal will require an additional 27 TWh of renewable power to be added to the grid.
While Austria transitions to renewable sources, imported oil and gas continue to play a significant role in its energy mix. In 2022, imported oil accounted for 35.4% of energy consumption, while gas contributed 16.8%. However, Austria's gas supply is largely dependent on Russia, with contracts and transit routes presenting potential challenges in the future.
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Renewable energy targets
Austria has set ambitious targets for renewable energy sources as part of its commitment to reducing its environmental impact and achieving energy self-sufficiency. The country has a diverse energy mix, with a heavy reliance on hydropower, supplemented by imported oil and natural gas supplies.
In 2013, the Austrian Environment Minister, Nikolaus Berlakovich, announced a target of 34% renewable energy by 2020. This target was accompanied by a focus on creating 100,000 new green jobs by 2020, highlighting the economic benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources. The country has made significant progress in wind and solar energy capacity, with wind power capacity increasing from 1,011 MW in 2010 to 3,573 MW in 2023. Additionally, 1.4 GW of solar energy capacity was added in 2022, with more planned to meet future targets.
Austria's commitment to renewable energy was further strengthened in 2021 with the passing of the Renewable Expansion Act ("Erneuerbaren Ausbau Gesetz", EAG). This act stipulates a goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030, which means an additional 27 TWh of renewable power needs to be added in the coming years. To achieve this target, Austria plans to utilise hydro, wind, and solar energy sources effectively.
To ensure a smooth transition to renewable energy, it is important for individuals and businesses to be mindful of their energy consumption and consider the availability of renewable energy options. While Austria works towards its renewable energy targets, travellers to the country should be aware of the power plug and socket requirements. Austria currently uses power plugs and sockets of Type C and Type F, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Travellers from countries with different voltage and frequency standards may need to use travel adapters or voltage converters to safely use their electronic devices in Austria.
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Power plug adapters
In Austria, the standard power sockets are of type F and the standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. If you are travelling to Austria from a different country, you may need to use a power plug adapter and/or a voltage converter.
Whether or not you need a power plug adapter depends on the type of power sockets in your home country. If your country uses the same electrical outlets and power plugs as Austria (type C and F), you won't need a travel adapter. However, if the power sockets in your country differ from those in Austria, you will need a travel adapter. For example, if you are travelling to Austria from North America, you will need a power plug adapter, as the electrical outlets in North America are of types A and B. You can check online or use a tool to determine if you need a power plug adapter for your specific country.
It's important to note that power plug adapters only convert plug types and do not change the voltage of the electricity. If the voltage and/or frequency in Austria differ from your own country, you should use a voltage converter when plugging in your devices and power adapters. Most devices will have a voltage rating printed on them, such as "100-240V 50/60Hz", indicating that they are dual voltage and can work with all voltages and frequencies worldwide. If your device is not dual voltage, you should use a voltage converter to avoid damaging your device.
You can purchase power plug adapters and voltage converters online or at most hardware stores. Some websites that sell these products include Amazon, World-Power-Plugs.com, and Ceptics.com. It is recommended to buy a high-quality adapter with reinforced prongs and sturdy construction to ensure safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria has two associated plug types: Type C and Type F. Type C has two round pins, and Type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.
The standard voltage in Austria is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.
If your country uses the same electrical outlets and plug types as Austria, you won't need a travel adapter. However, if your device or its power supply is not dual voltage-rated, you may need a voltage converter or transformer.
