In 2025, Austria's electricity consumption is characterized by a significant reliance on low-carbon or clean energy sources, indicating a strong commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependence. More than three-quarters of Austria's electricity comes from low-carbon sources, with hydropower being the largest contributor at more than half of the total consumption. Wind energy contributes almost 14% of the electricity, while solar energy generates just over 9%. Fossil energy sources, primarily gas, account for around 12% of the electricity consumption, illustrating a substantial, yet diminishing, reliance on carbon-intensive fuels. Additionally, net imports contribute to roughly 9% of the total electricity use. This energy mix underscores Austria's pivotal shift toward sustainable energy and its intent to mitigate the adverse effects of fossil fuels like climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Austria?
Austria's electricity consumption, however, has experienced a worrying decline. In 2025, the total electricity consumption stands at 6773 kWh per person, marking a notable decrease from the previous record of 8947 kWh per person in 2024; this constitutes around a 25% drop. More concerning is the decline in low-carbon electricity generation, which sees a decrease of approximately 32%, from the 2024 peak of 7839 kWh per person to 5325 kWh per person. This trend is disappointing as it contradicts the nation’s apparent goal of enhancing energy sustainability. The decrease threatens efforts to electrify further and leverage technology advancements that demand more electricity.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Austria could look to expand its successful wind and solar sectors. Observing other regions, Austria could gain insights from countries with robust wind energy like Denmark and Iowa, each generating over half of their electricity from wind. Similarly, countries with significant solar energy uptake, such as Nevada and Lebanon, demonstrate how solar can complement existing wind energy potential. Moreover, Austria should seriously evaluate integrating nuclear energy into its portfolio, drawing lessons from nations like France, which meets 70% of its electricity needs through nuclear energy. Blending these strategies will not only advance Austria's clean energy share but will also help stabilize and increase its overall power generation.
History
Historically, hydropower has been the backbone of Austria's low-carbon electricity efforts, although its journey, starting in the early 1970s, has seen fluctuations. In years such as 1974, 1977, and 1987, significant growth exceeded 3 TWh, contributing substantially to Austria's low-carbon electricity capacity. However, downtrends have occasionally overshadowed these gains, notably a marked decline of 6.7 TWh in 2003 and another decrease in 2025 by 16.7 TWh. Despite minor solar electricity growth in 2024, its 2025 setback of 3.8 TWh highlights the need for consistent improvements and expansions. Austria's inability to maintain consistent growth in its hydro and other clean energy outputs marks a critical area for improvement, emphasizing the necessity for strategic advancements and sustained investment in expanding its clean electricity capabilities.
