Austria has made tremendous progress in sourcing its electricity from low-carbon or clean energy, with over 81% of its electricity coming from such sources. More than half of Austria's electricity is supplied by hydropower, making it the most significant clean energy contributor. Wind energy provides almost 13%, while solar energy accounts for over 8%. Despite these achievements, more than 11% of Austria's electricity still comes from fossil fuels, specifically gas, which poses challenges for climate goals given its negative implications for climate change and air pollution. Additionally, biofuels contribute a smaller portion of just over 4%. Net imports constitute nearly 7% of Austria's electricity, indicating a need for domestic energy expansion. As Austria looks to electrify other sectors such as transport, heating, and industry, it will require a substantial increase in electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Austria?
While Austria remains a leader in clean electricity generation, recent trends indicate a concerning stagnation in electricity consumption. The latest electricity consumption stands at 7,398 kWh per person, a notable decrease of 1,546 kWh from the previous record-high levels achieved in 2012. Similarly, generation of low-carbon electricity has not seen growth, with the latest data showing 5,996 kWh per person, which is 1,419 kWh below the record set in 2024. This stagnation poses a challenge for Austria as it anticipates greater electricity demand from the electrification of various sectors. To meet future needs, Austria must prioritize enhancing its electricity generation capacity with a focus on clean energy sources.
Suggestions
To further boost low-carbon electricity generation in Austria, expanding existing wind energy resources represents a promising opportunity. Given the current significant contribution of wind power, increasing its capacity can further elevate Austria's clean electricity profile. Moreover, solar energy capacity could be ramped up significantly due to its profound potential and declining costs. While Austria has not yet ventured into nuclear energy, this remains a valuable option for diversifying the clean energy mix and ensuring reliable, high-volume generation. As Austria seeks to meet its future energy needs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, a strategic focus on expanding these clean energy sources becomes imperative.
History
Austria's journey toward low-carbon electricity has a long and varied history. In the early years, hydropower was central to Austria's clean electricity expansion, with notable increases in 1974 and 1977. However, the period has also witnessed fluctuations, such as declines in 1976 and 2003, reflecting the variability inherent in hydropower generation. Recent decades have seen robust growth, notably in 2012, albeit with some subsequent declines, including significant reductions in 2015 and again in 2021. The current year experienced a decrease in hydroelectric generation by 6.6 TWh, alongside a notable downturn in solar power by 3 TWh. These variations underscore the necessity for Austria to stabilize and expand its clean electricity output, possibly through diverse sources like nuclear, to ensure sustainable growth and security in its electricity supply.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.