Electricity in Austria in 2023/2024

Austria stands as an exemplary nation in the realm of clean electricity, achieving an impressive milestone where more than nine-tenths, precisely 92.67%, of its electricity generation comes from low-carbon sources. Between November 2023 and October 2024, hydropower provided the backbone of this achievement, contributing about 67% of the electricity supply, showcasing Austria's favorable geographical conditions and engineering prowess in harnessing river currents. In addition to hydroelectric power, wind energy continues to play a significant role, supplying approximately 14%, while solar power contributes close to 8%. However, a small fraction, roughly 7%, of Austria's electricity is still generated from fossil fuels, particularly gas, which indicates the areas that can be further improved to enhance the country's sustainability. Notably, Austria is a significant net exporter of electricity, aiding neighboring nations in reducing their carbon footprints, an essential move to combat climate change globally. To strengthen its green initiative, Austria is now challenged to transition other sectors, such as transport, heating, and industry, to cleaner alternatives, which will demand a considerable increase in electricity supply.

Suggestions

To enhance its green electricity production to meet future demands, Austria can notably expand its wind energy capacity. Given that wind power already accounts for a substantial portion of electricity generation, further development in this sector holds great promise. This could involve both the expansion of current wind farms and the installation of new ones, taking advantage of available technologies to harness more energy from Austria's favorable wind conditions. Innovating in offshore wind farms might also be another avenue to explore, providing added capacity without consuming additional land space. Alongside wind expansion, Austria could consider bolstering its solar infrastructure, employing advanced solar technologies to enhance efficiency and output. Additionally, while the advocacy for nuclear power is not prevalent in Austria's current energy policy, integrating this stable, low-carbon energy source could further solidify Austria's clean energy goals and stabilize the grid as demand grows.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Austria has generally been marked by steady growth, bolstered predominantly by hydropower, which has witnessed several remarkable expansions over the decades. Starting from the mid-1970s, specifically in 1974 and 1977, there were notable surges in hydroelectric capacity, with increases of 3.4 TWh and 4.5 TWh respectively. These advancements were briefly interrupted in 1976 and 1990, with reductions of 3.5 TWh and 2.8 TWh. The 1980s and 1990s were marked by both expansion and contraction, including a significant boost in 1987 of nearly 5 TWh. Notably, the early 21st century saw a mix of reductions and achievements, such as the drop in 2003 and subsequent recovery in 2004. Fast forward to more recent years, between 2019 and 2024, Austria has experienced fluctuations with both decreases and significant increases, notably 5.1 TWh in 2023, showing a continued dedication to improving and stabilizing its low-carbon output despite the inherent variability of hydropower. This consistent focus on sustainable energy sources positions Austria favorably for future clean energy advancements and aspirations.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources