In 2025, Austria's electricity consumption predominantly relies on clean energy sources. More than half of the country's electricity comes from hydropower, making it the largest low-carbon contributor at 51.6%. Wind and solar energy both make significant contributions, with nearly 14% from wind and around 9% from solar, respectively. Biofuels provide a modest 4.4% of the total electricity. On the fossil fuel side, gas accounts for approximately 12% of the electricity consumed in Austria. Net imports fill the remaining gap at roughly 9.5%. This energy mix shows a strong commitment to low-carbon options, though there is room for improvement to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Austria?
Electricity consumption in Austria is experiencing a worrying trend of decline. The latest data from 2025 shows an average electricity consumption of 6797 kWh per person, a significant decrease from the previous record of 8947 kWh per person in 2024. This is a decrease of approximately 2149 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased considerably, with the latest figure at 5343 kWh per person, down from 7839 kWh per person in 2024. This represents a decrease of around 2496 kWh per person in low-carbon electricity generation. Such declines are concerning as they suggest a setback in the progress towards sustainable energy goals.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Austria should consider further expanding its wind energy infrastructure, given its substantial current contribution. Additionally, pursuing nuclear energy could offer significant benefits, drawing lessons from successful countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power comprises more than half of their electricity generation. Austria can also look to expand solar energy, drawing inspiration from regions like Nevada and California, which generate 33% and 29% of their electricity from solar, respectively. By incorporating a mix of nuclear and solar expansions, Austria can work towards ensuring a more sustainable energy future.
History
Historically, Austria has seen fluctuations in hydropower electricity generation, marked by significant variations over the decades. In the mid-1970s, and again in the late '80s and early '90s, hydropower saw periods of growth with notable increases. However, recent years have been marked by inconsistencies, with both significant gains, such as in 2012 and 2024, and substantial declines, most recently in 2025 with a stark reduction of 16.6 TWh. Solar energy, while newly included in the more recent data, also saw a decline in 2025 after a promising increase in 2024. Moving forward, Austria needs to stabilize and increase its clean energy output, encouraging consistent and reliable growth in these sectors.
