In 2025, Austria has made impressive progress in its electricity consumption, with low-carbon sources accounting for about three-quarters of the country's electricity generation. The largest contributor to this clean energy portfolio is hydropower, which itself provides nearly half of Austria's electricity. Solar energy has also made significant strides, supplying more than a tenth of the electricity used. Wind energy contributes almost 11%, while biofuels add a smaller, yet notable portion. In contrast, fossil fuels make up approximately 16% of total electricity consumption, with natural gas as the largest fossil source at around 12%, followed by coal, which contributes a small fraction. Additionally, Austria relies on net imports for nearly 8% of its electricity needs.
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 commitment to low-carbon energy, the country's electricity consumption has not increased from its historical peak. The latest data shows a decline in per capita electricity consumption to 8,367 kWh, compared to the previous high of 8,943 kWh per year in 2012. More concerning is the decline in low-carbon electricity generation, which now stands at 6,418 kWh per person, down from the record of 7,663 kWh per person just last year. This reduction poses a challenge for Austria's ambitions to expand clean electricity to support electrification and innovation. The decrease may reflect unfavorable conditions or a lack of sufficient investment in expanding the infrastructure.
Suggestions
To reverse this trend and boost low-carbon electricity, Austria should focus on expanding existing solar and wind energy sectors, which have already proven to be effective contributors. Additionally, looking to regions like Denmark and Iowa, which generate 60% and 58% of their electricity from wind, respectively, Austria can gain insights into scaling up its wind energy capacity. Meanwhile, nuclear energy should not be overlooked, as countries like France and Slovakia derive a significant majority of their electricity from this reliable low-carbon source. Incorporating nuclear energy could provide Austria with a steady and substantial supply of clean electricity, complementing the variable nature of solar and wind.
History
Historically, Austria's journey with low-carbon electricity has seen fluctuations, particularly in hydropower generation. In the 1970s through the early 1980s, there were notable gains with hydropower increasing, but occasional dips also occurred. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw both increases and setbacks in hydroelectric output, with a significant downturn in 2003 followed by recoveries. The decade from 2010 onwards displayed similar variances, with standout years like 2012 when hydropower saw a substantial rise. Recently, 2025 experienced a significant drop in hydro generation, which may have contributed to the overall decline in low-carbon electricity. Solar energy, however, saw a promising increase in 2023, suggesting potential for further growth if adequately supported and expanded.
