Austria

The expansion of photovoltaics is one of the most important measures for converting the entire energy system to 100% renewable energy sources. This is associated with greater independence, environmentally friendly and low-risk energy provision, an affordable energy supply, and greater domestic value creation. The official target is currently set at 100% renewable electricity by 2030 (nationally balanced). PV currently contributes with more than 8 TWh. A further target is set in the Integrated Austrian Grid Infrastructure Plan, with 41 TWh of PV by 2040. Other studies see slightly lower PV target values, with a stronger expansion of wind power in return.  

The basis of this development is the Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG), which has implemented a fundamentally modernised and market-oriented subsidy system for green electricity plants in 2021, thereby creating a stable long-term investment climate. In 2024, a reduction in VAT to zero per cent on systems up to 35 kWp made the PV-systems support process much easier. Since October 2022, a gradually increasing CO2 price was introduced for fossil-based CO2 emissions not covered by EU emissions trading.  

Nevertheless, nearly 60% of the total energy used in Austria currently still comes from fossil fuels, mainly used in the transport, heating, and industrial sectors. 

In 2024 Austria, coordinated by the Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology has developed an “Austrian Photovoltaic Strategy”, which outlines the measures required to ensure that the PV sector helps to shape the energy transition for the optimum benefit of citizens and companies. Objectives and fields of action of a strategic expansion process as well as measures for a coordinated expansion of PV in Austria are core elements of this national strategy document. 

The Austrian PV-Technology platform, which was initially supported by the same ministry, acts as a legal body since 2012. It brings together about 35 Austrian-based industries and commercial entities, active in the production of PV relevant components and sub-components, as well as the relevant research community, in order to create more innovation in the Austrian PV sector. The transfer of the latest scientific results to the industry through innovation workshops, trainee programmes, and conferences, joint national and international research projects, and other similar activities are part of the work programme, in addition to the needed awareness raising, as well as aiming at further improving the framework conditions for manufacturing, research, and innovation in Austria for the relevant decision-makers. 

Public spending on research, development, and demonstration projects in the energy sector amounted to a record of 310 million EUR in 2023, of which about 5.5 million EUR went to photovoltaic research. The topics of energy efficiency, transmission, storage, as well as hydrogen and fuel cells, were clearly in the foreground of the research, development, and demo projects.  

In the European research environment, Austria is coordinating the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP), a co-funded Partnership in Horizon Europe. Most Austrian producers in the photovoltaic sector are struggling to compete internationally. Research and innovation will increasingly play an important role.  

The European Net Zero Industry Act is seen as a great opportunity that must be utilised to strengthen the renewables sector with European partners and ensure sovereignty in the energy supply.  

Aspects of sustainability, recycling and the re-use of photovoltaic modules are becoming increasingly important and are the subject of intensive research. 

The Federal Association Photovoltaic Austria (PV-Austria) serves as the non-governmental interest group of the solar energy and storage industries in Austria. This association promotes solar PV at the national and international level and acts as an informant and intermediary between business sectors and the political and public sectors. Its focus lies in improving the general conditions for photovoltaic and storage systems in Austria and on securing suitable framework conditions for stable growth and investment security. Benefiting from its strong public relations experience, PV-Austria builds networks, disseminates key information about the PV industry to the broader public, and organises conferences, workshops, and industry meetings. 

A new brochure, published by the federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology focuses on the existing value creation within Austria’s PV sector. It provides an overview of the Austrian producers in the PV sector as well as the relevant actors in the research field.