In the period from September 2025 to August 2026, Austria's electricity consumption has a significantly low-carbon profile. More than half of the electricity, approximately 75%, is produced from low-carbon sources, with hydropower being a major contributor, accounting for over 43%. Other significant clean energy contributors include solar power at nearly 14% and wind energy at over 12%. Fossil fuels make up about 16%, with gas being the largest fossil fuel source at just under 12%. Coal is relatively insignificant, comprising about 2% of the energy mix. Additionally, net imports account for nearly 10% of the total electricity consumed in Austria.

Is Electricity Growing in Austria?

Despite the strong reliance on low-carbon energy, Austria's overall electricity consumption per person has seen a decline. The most recent figures for 2026 show a consumption of 7962 kWh per person, which is a drop of close to 981 kWh compared to the historical peak in 2012. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity generation per person has also decreased, from a previous peak of 7663 kWh per person in 2024 to 5944 kWh in 2026. This decline is concerning as it suggests a loss in momentum which is crucial for meeting future demands, especially with the pressures of electrification and AI-driven consumption increases.

Suggestions

To enhance Austria's clean electricity generation, a significant push toward expanding existing solar and wind infrastructure is recommended. Investigating successful practices in other regions can offer valuable insights. For instance, Denmark and Iowa have excelled in wind energy, generating over half of their electricity from wind. Meanwhile, countries like France and Slovakia have robust nuclear energy programs, generating more than 65% of their electricity from this clean source. These examples illustrate the potential for Austria to integrate both wind and solar expansions along with new nuclear enhancements, aligning with global trends in sustainable electricity production.

History

Looking back at the historical trends, Austria has experienced fluctuating fortunes in low-carbon electricity generation, particularly with hydropower. Significant increases occurred in 1977, 1987, and 1999, where hydropower saw increases of over 3 TWh on several occasions. However, there have also been notable declines, such as in 2003 and 2025, indicating a somewhat erratic development in this sector. The recent period saw an augmentation in solar power, with 2023 marking an increase of 3.2 TWh. Despite these advances, the need for continuous growth in sustainable electricity generation remains a priority, particularly as fossil fuel sources like gas and coal pose ongoing risks to both the environment and energy security. It is crucial for Austria to capitalize on its existing low-carbon infrastructure and explore new avenues such as nuclear power to secure a cleaner future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Sep 2025 – Aug 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.