Austria has achieved a remarkable feat by generating close to 87% of its electricity from low-carbon sources. Hydropower leads the pack, providing more than half of the country's electricity, while wind and solar collectively contribute almost a quarter. Biofuels round out the low-carbon numbers with a modest share. In contrast, electricity generated from fossil fuels makes up just over 13% of the total, with gas being the primary fossil source. Austria is also a significant net exporter of electricity, assisting neighboring regions in lowering their emissions. As Austria looks to electrify other sectors such as transport, heating, and industry, the demand for low-carbon electricity will continue to grow, highlighting the need for increased electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Austria?
Currently, Austria's electricity demand appears to be shifting, as indicated by a decline in per-person consumption from its historical peak in 2012. In 2024, the average total electricity consumption per person is 8,550 kWh, a decrease of 393 kWh compared to the peak of 8,943 kWh in 2012. Conversely, there has been a positive trend in low-carbon electricity generation, which has increased significantly to 7,415 kWh per person, up by 848 kWh from the previous record set just the year before. This growth in clean electricity generation is encouraging and crucial as Austria continues to work toward reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Austria should focus on expanding its capacity for wind and solar energy. These technologies already play a large role in the country's clean energy mix, and further investment could significantly boost electricity generation. Additionally, Austria may benefit from exploring the potential of nuclear energy, which offers a reliable and steady source of low-carbon power. By focusing on expanding these clean technologies, Austria can not only meet its growing electricity needs but also contribute to global efforts in combating climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
History
The historical journey of low-carbon electricity generation in Austria has seen various ups and downs, particularly in hydroelectric power. In the 1970s and into the 1980s, hydroelectric success saw fluctuations, with significant increases in 1974 and 1979. The 1990s and early 2000s were marked by a mix of growth and declines, notably with significant dips in 2003 and positive spikes thereafter. Since 2012, hydroelectric power has continued to demonstrate variability but saw substantial recovery by 2012, and further improvements in 2023 and 2024. Solar energy has seen a positive surge, particularly with a notable increase in 2023, highlighting its growing importance in the energy mix. With these trends in hydro and solar electricity generation, Austria's dedication to promoting green energy technologies is clear, but additional opportunities lie in further diversifying the sources of this clean energy.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.