The EAG essentially replaces the previous Green Electricity Act and also completely restructures the subsidy for clean energy. In future, the subsidy will be more dynamic, market-based and with a longer subsidy period will offer an even lengthier planning horizon.
» It was a long time coming – but in July the National Council finally passed the new Renewable Expansion Act (EAG). Dr. Alfons Haber – E-Control «
Energy as a genuinely ‘local product’
In future, the subsidy will be more dynamic, market-based and with a longer subsidy period will offer an even lengthier planning horizon. Another very important aspect of the new law is the opportunity it creates for citizen participation.
The various types of community energy initiatives enable citizens, businesses and local communities to play an active role in the transition to clean energy. The energy project owners can jointly store, distribute and use the energy they generate, making the energy revolution tangible, transparent and accessible to everyone. This also raises awareness of climate change and energy becomes a genuinely ‘local product’. Community energy initiatives are entitled to produce, consume, store and sell renewable energy which should make the energy revolution even more dynamic. By reaching broader segments of the population such projects will also increase acceptance irrespective of the type of community that operates them.
‘The new EAG opens up completely new opportunities to invest in renewable technologies and sustainable concepts’. (Prof. DI Dr. Alfons Haber, MBA)
The Austrian province of Carinthia has multiple economic and social facets
The Carinthian economy is well positioned in a range of areas (the tourism industry in particular is very well known). Yet, in recent years, Carinthia has increasingly emerged as a business location. Nowadays, sustainability, climate protection, research and resource conservation are indispensable aspects of strategies and concepts not just in the tourism sector but also in the manufacturing industry. In this context, the new EAG opens up completely new opportunities to invest in renewable technologies and sustainable concepts.
‘Even though Carinthia already obtains a very high proportion of its electricity from renewable energy sources, it can nonetheless make a significant contribution to achieving Austrian targets and to climate protection’.
The goal of obtaining 100% of Austria’s electricity supply from renewable energy sources by 2030 cannot be achieved without the rapid and dynamic expansion of renewables. Even though Carinthia already obtains a very high proportion of its electricity from renewable energy sources, it can nonetheless make a significant contribution to achieving Austrian targets and to climate protection. Indeed, the appropriate support mechanisms are in place for this purpose. In Carinthia in particular, the various levels of public administration, business and also households can build upon this potential and reap the benefits it delivers. In this context, it is essential to provide Carinthians with opportunities to participate in the energy revolution and the information they need to implement the concepts both in administrative and organisational terms. Of course, E-Control as the independent regulator of the gas and electricity markets, is also happy to answer any questions that consumers might have and offers a range of different services that can provide guidance and help.
ABOUT E-Control, Austrian regulatory authority for energy:
E-Control was founded as a limited liability company in 2001, took up operations on 1 March 2001. On 3 March 2011, E-Control was transformed into a public authority. The new E-Control-Gesetz (E-Control Act), which in sections 2 and 43 was the basis for this transformation, also lists powers and duties. Read more
Dr. Alfons Haber, Executive Director E-control
Mr. Haber studied electrical engineering and business and obtained his Doctoral Degree in Technical Sciences (Dr. techn.) at Graz University of Technology. In addition, he earned a master’s degree (EMBA) from Turku University of Applied Sciences in Finland. He is not only a speaker at many specialist events but also the author of numerous publications, particularly on energy management, storage, grids, regulation, and smart grids. For many years, Mr. Haber was also a lecturer at international universities. Read the full bio: HERE