Austria has made an impressive leap in its electricity generation landscape, with more than 86% of its electricity being sourced from low-carbon origins. Hydropower stands as the cornerstone of this achievement, accounting for nearly 57% of the electricity supply. Wind and solar energy also contribute significantly to the clean energy mix, supplying approximately 12% and 11% respectively. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, comprise a much smaller fraction of the electricity generation in Austria, with gas making up just over 9%. As a notable net exporter of electricity, Austria aids neighboring countries in minimizing their emissions. However, the next challenge remains in the electrification of transport, heating, and industry, necessitating a further increase in electricity, notably from clean sources, to support this transition.
Is Electricity Growing in Austria?
Despite this impressive reliance on low-carbon sources, Austria's overall electricity consumption per capita has seen a slight decline compared to historical highs. In 2024, the total electricity consumption was around 8600 kWh per person, slightly down from the peak of nearly 8950 kWh per person in 2012, marking a decline of over 300 kWh per person. Nonetheless, the generation of low-carbon electricity shows significant growth, reaching 7460 kWh per person, which surpasses the previous record in 2023 by almost 900 kWh per person. This growth in clean electricity is a source of great excitement, reflecting Austria's ongoing commitment to decarbonizing its electricity supply, even as overall consumption experiences slight dips.
Suggestions
To further bolster its clean electricity generation, Austria could focus on expanding its already robust wind and solar sectors. These technologies, coupled with the potential integration of nuclear energy, could substantially increase the country's low-carbon electricity output. By investing in new solar farms and wind parks, Austria could enhance its electricity security while further reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. The electrification of additional sectors demands bold moves in augmenting the capacity and efficiency of these clean energy technologies, ensuring Austria can meet burgeoning electricity needs without compromising its environmental goals.
History
Austria's history of low-carbon electricity generation has seen dynamic shifts, particularly in hydropower, throughout the decades. Notably, the late 1970s and 1980s saw fluctuations with both gains and losses, peaking with a nearly 5 TWh increase in 1987. Over the subsequent decades, hydropower experienced several ups and downs, including a substantial setback in 2003 with a 6.7 TWh decline, which was eventually countered by a remarkable 10 TWh increase in 2012. More recently, the period from 2019 to 2023 witnessed modest gains in hydropower, with solar energy enjoying a notable contribution in 2023. As of 2024, hydropower marked another increase by over 4 TWh, underscoring the resilient nature of Austria's green electricity initiatives. This steady upward trajectory in clean energy growth forms a promising foundation for future sustainability efforts.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.