New EABG is an important step, but not a fast track for

renewable energy expansion

The Austrian National Council has passed the Renewable Energy Expansion Acceleration Act (EABG). This sends an important signal for greater security of supply, energy independence and the further expansion of renewable energy in Austria.

The EABG introduces several changes: in future, approval procedures are to be more closely coordinated and handled digitally. A so-called one-stop-shop principle is intended to simplify procedures. The framework for grid expansion will also be strengthened, for example through an integrated grid infrastructure plan and improved options for safeguarding transmission corridors. Battery storage is also recognised as an important building block for a stable renewable electricity system.

The expansion targets have also been raised: instead of the previous target of 27 terawatt-hours, Austria is now aiming to generate an additional 30 terawatt-hours of renewable electricity by 2030. For the first time, a target of 40 terawatt-hours has also been set for 2035.

Another new element is a federal-state mechanism: in future, the expansion targets are to be allocated among Austria’s federal states. However, this allocation is not due to be completed until 2029 at the latest. From the industry’s perspective, this comes very late — too late to reliably ensure that the 2030 target is met.

Now we need speed: the federal states must act

“The EABG is a first step forward. However, it also shows that key reforms are still missing: faster approval procedures for renewable energy projects, binding expansion targets for all federal states, clear consequences if these targets are not met, and greater planning certainty for investments. The projects are there, the willingness to invest is there, but even with this law, reliable political framework conditions are still lacking. We are running out of time,” says Markus Winter, Chief Technical Officer of Windkraft Simonsfeld.

In wind energy alone, around 3,500 megawatts of capacity are currently in approval procedures. If implemented, these projects could double Austria’s wind power generation by 2030. If they are realised quickly, Austria can significantly strengthen its security of supply and reduce its dependence on fossil energy imports and future energy crises. The EABG is an important step — but it is not yet a breakthrough. The federal government and the federal states must now act quickly to ensure that political targets are translated into actual new renewable energy capacity.