Renewable Energy Day: it's time for speed on the home straight

Martina Prechtl-Grundnig, Managing Director of the umbrella organization Renewable Energy Austria (EEÖ), demands "speed on the home straight" from the federal government on the occasion of today's Renewable Energy Day.

In the current legislative period, some progress has been made towards the energy transition - for example with the Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG). However, in recent months in particular, important renewable energy laws have been in danger of falling victim to pre-election strategy skirmishes.

"We need the Electricity Industry Act, the Renewable Energy Expansion Acceleration Act and the Renewable Gases Act before the end of this legislative period," says Prechtl-Grundnig. "If these laws are no longer passed with the necessary two-thirds majority, this will mean a de facto standstill for the energy transition for at least a year and nobody can want that."

ElWG completed and ready for decision

Status: Overdue! The Electricity Industry Act (ElWG) has been reviewed and, after incorporating more than 350 comments, is actually ready for adoption, according to the EEÖ. Whether grid expansion, transparency or digitalization - the Electricity Industry Act is the basis for a modern, sustainable electricity supply in Austria.
EEÖ demand: Decision before the summer!

EABG as a "turbo" for hundreds of renewable energy projects

Status: Overdue! Although the Renewable Energy Expansion Acceleration Act (EABG) was announced after the government retreat over a year ago, a draft bill has not yet been submitted for review.

"It almost seems as if an effective acceleration law for renewables would fail due to state interests! But the EABG in particular could be an "energy transition turbo"," says Prechtl-Grundnig.

This would shorten and simplify deadlines, approvals and official responsibilities. Supplemented by the overriding public interest in energy transition projects, acceleration areas and other procedural simplifications, the current requirements of the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) would also be met.
EEÖ demand: Review and decision as quickly as possible!

Renewable gases as domestic energy transition potential

Status: Overdue! The Renewable Gas Act (EGG) has been reviewed. It aims to achieve at least 7.5 terawatt hours (TWh) of renewable gas in Austria by 2030 and obliges gas suppliers to increase their feed-in. According to studies, the potential for renewable gases from biogenic residues alone is 20 to 40 terawatt hours per year.
EEÖ demand: Decision before the summer!

"Thousands of hours of negotiations and votes have gone into all these legislative texts. Most of them are finished and ready to be passed," says EEÖ Managing Director Martina Prechtl-Grundnig. "I appeal to all parties to take their political responsibility seriously and pass these important laws for the future."