In 2025, Austria's electricity consumption shows a significant reliance on low-carbon energy sources, which account for over three-quarters of the total electricity mix. Hydropower alone constitutes nearly half of the country's electricity generation, highlighting its pivotal role in Austria's clean energy landscape. Solar and wind energy complement this with nearly 13% and 11% shares respectively, demonstrating Austria's commitment to green energy technologies. Fossil fuels account for about 16% of electricity generation, with natural gas being the most prevalent among them. The country's reliance on coal is minimal, making up just over 2% of the electricity profile. Net imports also play a modest role, contributing to about 8% of the electricity consumed.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Austria?
Despite Austria's strong foundation in green energy, recent trends in electricity consumption raise some concerns. The latest figures from 2025 reveal a drop in total electricity consumption to 8367 kWh per person, which is 580 kWh less than the previous high recorded in 2024. Similarly, there has been a notable decline in low-carbon electricity generation per person, which has fallen by 1421 kWh from its 2024 peak. This decrease marks a setback for Austria's progress towards increasing the share of clean electricity, as well as potential limitations in meeting future energy demands driven by electrification and technological advancements.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Austria should focus on expanding existing wind and solar capacities. As these technologies already contribute significantly to its electricity mix, further investments will likely yield considerable benefits. Learning from successful regions, Austria can look to countries with robust wind and solar sectors, such as Denmark, which generates 60% of its electricity from wind. Solar energy expansion could take inspiration from states like Nevada and countries such as Lebanon, where solar generation reaches impressive levels of over 30%. Expanding nuclear energy is also a promising avenue, as demonstrated by nations like France, where nuclear accounts for 67% of the electricity mix. By strategically enlarging both its solar and nuclear energy capacities, Austria can continue to lead in sustainable electricity generation while securing energy independence.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Austria showcases both resilience and challenges. The country's reliance on hydroelectric power became particularly evident during periods of varying water availability. The early 1970s and late 1980s saw notable increases in hydropower, contributing substantially to Austria's green energy portfolio. Yet, substantial fluctuations were also recorded, such as the sharp declines in 2003 and 2015. In more recent years, there was a commendable surge in hydropower in 2023 and 2024. However, 2025 experienced a significant downturn with a drop of over 12 TWh. As Austria navigates these variations, it is vital to diversify its green energy sources beyond hydroelectricity. Expanding solar, wind, and potentially venturing into nuclear energy remains essential to stabilize and grow its low-carbon electricity generation, ensuring both sustainability and reliability.
