Study finds dwindling support for climate protection among Austria's population

As part of a representative survey, WU Vienna, Deloitte Austria and Wien Energie survey the attitudes of Austrians towards renewable energies every year. This year's study of around 1,000 respondents now reveals the first signs of fatigue on this topic.

Although climate change is still seen as a key problem over the next two decades, an increasingly critical attitude is emerging - especially towards energy projects close to home.

"We can see that the approval ratings for wind power projects in our own environment have fallen to below two thirds. And photovoltaics, which is actually very popular, also achieved the lowest approval rating since the start of the study series at 83% - that is a worrying result," emphasizes Nina Hampl, author of the study at WU Vienna.

Dwindling tailwind for planned bans

The gloomy mood is also reflected in a decline in support for energy and climate policy measures: While 66% of Austrians were still in favor of total electricity consumption being covered by 100% renewable energy sources by 2030 in the previous year, this figure is currently only 55%. And only a third of respondents are in favor of a general ban on gas heating systems from 2040 and oil heating systems from 2035.

"Austrians are less and less willing to accept personal changes for the energy transition. Two thirds are therefore of the opinion that there should be more focus on incentives rather than bans," adds Nina Hampl.

Nevertheless, saving energy remains a trend. Almost half (47%) are focusing on a change in behavior in this context - and the majority of them intend to maintain this in the coming 12 months. However, the reason for this is not so much environmental aspects, but primarily the cost factor.

E-car market not getting off the ground

However, it is not just the energy transition that is slow in Germany, but also the mobility transition. After years of stagnation, interest in buying electric cars has now even declined. According to those surveyed, the insufficient range and high purchase costs are the main reasons for not buying an electric car. Interest has fallen among the under-40s in particular.

"The establishment of the e-car is progressing slowly, although there is already a wide range on offer. The cost factor is still too much of a deterrent, especially for the younger generations," says Gerhard Marterbauer, Partner at Deloitte Austria.

The top reasons for buying an electric car are primarily financial. According to the study, the low operating costs and public subsidies are the top reasons. Sustainability-related arguments such as emission-free driving, independence from fossil fuels and environmental protection, on the other hand, have lost some of their persuasive power compared to the previous year.

"The survey clearly shows that public subsidies have a positive effect on purchasing decisions. This is a key lever for driving forward the expansion of sustainable mobility in Austria - and should definitely be maintained," emphasizes Gerhard Marterbauer.

 

Inflation slows down progress

Austria is also treading water when it comes to sustainable heat supply. According to the respondents, the proportion of fossil fuels such as natural gas or heating oil in private residential construction has hardly changed compared to the previous year.

Nevertheless, the trend towards the installation of photovoltaic systems is continuing: over half of the systems have been installed in the last two years.

"The heating transition will be one of the key challenges in the near future, but according to the survey, the current price increases are also slowing down this important progress. It remains to be seen what effect the subsidies already presented will have in the coming months," explains Michael Strebl, CEO of Wien Energie. "In any case, it is encouraging that the willingness of Austrians to participate in community projects for the use of renewable energies continues to increase slightly."

Interest in energy communities also remains high. Almost half of those surveyed can imagine participating. One in ten even stated that they were already involved in an energy community. The financial incentive is also a decisive factor here.

"We can see that the issues of climate protection, affordability and security of supply are moving closer together. The cost factor is crucial for the population, especially in the current economic environment. The path 'out of gas' and thus into an environmentally friendly and also more price-stable future can only succeed if we all join in on this path and take the concerns seriously," concluded Strebl.