For its international credibility, Austria must significantly increase its own climate protection efforts and increase the share of renewable energy
Vienna (OTS) – No empty kilometers and no empty declarations of intent – Austria’s renewables require a clear global path out of fossil fuels and the massive expansion of renewables from the UN climate conference COP28. In order to appear credible internationally, Austria must significantly increase its own efforts and implement them, according to renewable energy representatives. In particular, rapid implementation of the EU RED III directive is necessary.
“European representatives start with the clear objective of tripling the share of renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030,” says Martina Prechtl-Grundnig, general director of the umbrella association for Austrian Renewable Energy ( EEÖ). “A clear and ambitious fossil energy exit path must urgently be made binding on Dubai so that we can achieve our climate goals. This also requires clear measures, because objectives alone are not enough. Of course this is difficult with 192 countries, but we cannot leave any stone unturned to save our livelihoods!”
“With its current climate protection performance, the Austrian government is, at best, a COP28 participant”, criticizes Christian Rakos, General Director of proPellets Austria. “A whole series of laws that would enormously accelerate the expansion of renewable energy in Austria will not be approved due to pre-election campaign setbacks.”
“Renewable energies have enormous potential in Austria and around the world as an alternative to fossil fuels,” says Vera Immitzer, General Director of Photovoltaic Austria. “We have the solutions and it is the responsibility of governments to create concrete framework conditions for their application – also from an economic point of view. There will be no climate change for free.”
“Seven out of ten Austrians say yes to the expansion of renewable energy,” says Paul Ablinger, managing director of the Austrian Association of Small Hydropower. “Many people are relying on their own energy transition with wind power, photovoltaic systems, biomass or small hydropower systems. This initiative is excellent, but it does not have enough support and has to face many obstacles and official resistance.”
To have international credibility: finally do your homework
After the long-awaited and negotiated Renewable Heat Act became a billion-dollar but non-binding renewable heat package due to disagreements within the coalition, the recently passed financial equalization was the next litmus test for environmental protection efforts and climate change from the federal government, state and local governments. “In fact, even in financial equalization, environmental and climate protection is just a footnote – endowed with very little money and only linked to empty pseudo-objectives”, says Martina Prechtl-Grundnig.
Renewable energies are demanding from the federal government in the last months of the legislature:
- An ambitious amendment to the Renewable Energy Expansion Law,
- the Accelerating Renewable Energy Expansion Act,
- the Electricity Savings Law,
- the Renewable Gas Law,
- the climate protection law,
- the timely implementation of EU requirements through RED III
Photos, free reprint
Photo 1: Martina Prechtl-Grundnig, managing director of EEÖ calls for an end to crude oil and natural gas (c) Paul Stender
About Renewable Energy Austria (EEÖ)
Renewable Energy Austria (EEÖ) is the common voice of all companies and organizations that are committed to a sustainable energy supply in Austria. Our objective is clear: to supply Austria with 100% renewable energy. So that fossil fuels can be replaced and the climate crisis can be overcome. As an umbrella organization, the EEÖ represents the Austrian renewable energy sector. We are committed to creating the necessary framework conditions for a successful energy transition in Austria.
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Mag. Christian Spitaler
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