Lyla Lindsey
Austria has made significant strides towards reducing its reliance on coal for electricity generation. In 2020, the country closed its last coal plant, becoming one of the first countries in the European Union to do so. As of 2023, Austria's electricity production was sourced from over 80% renewables, with hydropower accounting for almost 60% of the country's total electricity generation. The country has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming for 100% renewable electricity by 2030. This shift away from coal aligns with global efforts to phase out coal for electricity generation, with 84 countries committing to coal phase-out plans as of 2023.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Austria's energy consumption per capita | 19% higher than the EU average at 3.3 toe (-5%) (2023) |
| Austria's electricity consumption per capita | 8,900 kWh, 28% above the EU average |
| Last coal plant in Austria closed | 2020 |
| Austria's target for renewable energy by 2020 | 34% |
| Austria's target for self-sufficiency in energy by | 2050 |
| Austria's target for renewable electricity by | 2030 |
| Primary Source of Electricity Production in Austria | Hydropower (60% in 2023) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Austria's last coal plant closed in 2020
- Austria's energy consumption per capita is 19% higher than the EU average
- Austria's electricity consumption per capita is 28% above the EU average
- Austria's largest electricity provider is Verbund AG, which covers 40% of electricity demands
- Austria's hydropower generation stood above 36 terawatt-hours in 2022, ranking fifth in Europe
Austria's last coal plant closed in 2020
Austria has been heavily reliant on hydro energy, supported by imported oil and natural gas supplies. However, in 2020, Austria became the second European country to completely phase out coal electricity production. The last coal power plant, Verbund's Mellach, was shut down in April 2020. This was a significant milestone in the country's transition to cleaner and more renewable sources of energy.
The closure of the Mellach plant was the result of years of campaigning by the Austrian NGO Global 2000, which advocated for a shift away from coal and towards renewable energy sources. This move was welcomed by environmental organizations and marked a historic day for climate protection in Austria. Johannes Wahlmüller, the climate and energy spokesperson for Global 2000, highlighted the benefits of cleaner air and improved public health that would result from the transition to renewable energy.
Austria's decision to phase out coal aligns with its ambitious renewable energy goals. The country has set a target of producing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This target was further strengthened by the Renewable-Expansion-Act (EAG) passed in 2021, which aims to add 27 TWh of renewable power by 2030.
Austria's progress in phasing out coal is also part of a broader trend in Europe. By the end of 2023, 84 countries worldwide had agreed to phase out coal or not develop new unabated coal power plants, with 37 of them incorporating specific coal phase-out targets into their national plans. As of 2023, Austria was one of only four countries, including Belgium, Sweden, and Portugal, that had completely phased out coal. This momentum towards coal-free energy in Europe and beyond demonstrates a commitment to addressing climate change and building a more sustainable future.
Austria: Dictatorship or Democracy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Austria's energy consumption per capita is 19% higher than the EU average
Austria's energy consumption is closely tied to its economic growth and the income levels of its citizens. The country's energy mix includes a range of sources, with a strong reliance on hydropower, which accounted for 54% of its total installed power generation capacity in 2021. Other sources include oil, natural gas, solar, and wind power.
In recent years, Austria has made significant strides towards reducing its energy consumption and transitioning to renewable sources. The country has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming for 100% renewable electricity by 2030. This goal was bolstered by the 2021 Renewable-Expansion-Act, which seeks to add 27 TWh of renewable power by 2030.
Austria's progress in the energy sector is evident in its achievements. By 2020, it had exceeded its target of increasing the share of renewables in gross final energy consumption to 34%, reaching 46-50% instead. In 2023, renewables surged to account for 87% of the power mix, a remarkable increase of 19 points since 2010.
Additionally, Austria has successfully phased out coal, closing its last coal plant in 2020. This move aligns with global efforts to reduce coal consumption, as 84 countries, including Austria, have agreed to phase out coal or not develop new unabated coal power plants. Austria's commitment to transitioning to cleaner energy sources and reducing emissions is further demonstrated by its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
Germany's Annexation of Austria: Violating International Peace and Promises
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Austria's electricity consumption per capita is 28% above the EU average
Austria's electricity consumption decreased by 5% per year from 2021 to 2023. The industry is the main driver of electricity consumption, with 41% of natural gas consumed by the industry in 2023, up from 36% in 2010. Power plants consumed 23% of natural gas in 2023, down from 42% in 2010. The residential tertiary sector consumed 22% of natural gas in 2023, down from 24% in 2010.
Austria's electricity comes from a mix of sources, including hydropower, wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy. In 2021, renewable energy accounted for around 36% of total consumption. The country has set a target of 100% renewable electricity by 2030, with a planned addition of 27 TWh of renewable power. The largest electricity provider, Verbund AG, covers around 40% of the country's electricity demands and generates 90% of its energy from hydropower.
Austria has made significant progress in reducing its reliance on coal, with the last coal plant closing in 2020. The country has also cut imports of oil from Russia from 8% in 2021 to 0.1% in 2023. Oil consumption has been declining since 2019 and reached its lowest level since 1990 in 2023. Gas consumption has also decreased by 14% per year since 2021.
Austria's Beloved Beverage: A National Drink
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Austria's largest electricity provider is Verbund AG, which covers 40% of electricity demands
Austria's largest electricity provider is Verbund AG, which covers around 40% of the country's electricity demands. Verbund AG was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. The company operates through hydro, new renewables, sales, grid, and other segments. It generates electricity from hydropower plants, wind farms, solar power, and two thermal power plants.
Verbund AG has a strong focus on renewable energy sources. In 2007, the company started investing in wind power, and by 2010, it had significantly expanded its wind power capacity. Verbund AG also operates the largest and strongest high-voltage grid in Austria through its subsidiary, Austrian Power Grid AG (APG). APG manages the technical operations of the control area, ensuring the energy exchange between suppliers and consumers and safeguarding the regular feeding of distribution grids.
In 2009, Verbund AG expanded its renewable energy sources further by acquiring a power plant chain on the Bavarian River Inn, becoming the fourth-largest hydropower producer in Europe. The company's total installed capacity in hydropower plants is 6,600 megawatts, with an average annual generation of 24.8 billion kWh. Verbund AG also has a significant presence in the solar energy market, with a capacity of 253 MW as of 2025.
Verbund AG has a unique history in Austria. Initially, it was 100% nationalized, but in 1987, amendments allowed for partial privatization while keeping 51% in government hands. The Republic of Austria remains the largest shareholder. Verbund AG played a crucial role in the post-war years, focusing on planning, constructing, and operating large power plants, including hydropower and thermal power plants.
Austria has made significant strides towards renewable energy. The country passed the Renewable-Expansion-Act in 2021, aiming for 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Verbund AG's focus on hydropower, wind, and solar energy aligns with Austria's energy transition goals, positioning the company as a key contributor to the country's renewable energy future.
Exploring the Distance: Germany to Austria
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Austria's hydropower generation stood above 36 terawatt-hours in 2022, ranking fifth in Europe
Austria has traditionally relied heavily on hydropower, which currently covers around 65.7% of the country's electricity generation. In 2023, hydropower accounted for 53% of Austria's total power generation, according to GlobalData. The country's largest electricity provider, Verbund AG, generates 90% of its power from hydropower alone.
Hydropower's prominence in Austria is not without challenges. The further development of hydropower can conflict with environmental goals aimed at protecting surface water bodies. Additionally, Austria's energy consumption per capita is 19% higher than the EU average, and it has a target of reducing its reliance on imported oil, which accounted for 35.4% of energy consumption in 2022.
Austria has made notable progress in transitioning away from coal. The country's last coal plant was closed in 2020, and it completed its coal phase-out by 2020, becoming one of the first countries to do so. This phase-out is part of a broader shift towards renewable energy sources, with hydropower playing a pivotal role in Austria's energy strategy.
In summary, Austria's hydropower generation exceeding 36 terawatt-hours in 2022 reflects the country's strong commitment to renewable energy. With over 5,200 hydropower plants, Austria harnesses the power of water to meet a substantial portion of its electricity needs, ranking fifth in Europe for hydropower generation. This positions the country well on its path towards achieving its ambitious renewable energy goals.
Austrian Gold Coin Sells for a Fortune
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
0%. The last coal plant in Austria was closed in 2020.
In 2023, over 80% of Austria's electricity production was sourced from renewables.
Hydropower is the main source of electricity in Austria, accounting for almost 60% of the country's total electricity generation in 2023.
The Austrian government has set a target of 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
