Austria Aiming for 100% Renewable Energy, Still Opposed to Nuclear

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Austria Aiming for 100% Renewable Energy, Still Opposed to Nuclear

Date: September 25^th 2020

Topic: Electricity , RES and EE , Energy policy

The energy transition will definitely play an important role in the coming decade in Austria, as the country is planning to transition to 100% renewable energy (by 2030), noted its State Secretary, Magnus Brunner, who presented the new national energy package the week before. Due to its high ambition, the package will require the support and active involvement of the wider public. Additionally, Austria remains resolute in its opposition to nuclear, said Brunner in the closing part of his address at Montel’s Austrian Energy Day. Meanwhile, young nuclear experts from Slovenia’s Young Generation Network (operating under the aegis of the Nuclear Society of Slovenia) invite individuals to an awareness-raising event on nuclear power as part of the ‘Stand Up for Nuclear’ initiative, which Slovenia is taking part in for the first time this year.

According to the new energy package presented by the Austrian government, feed-in tariffs will be replaced by market premiums, which is expected to further accelerate the growth and development of renewable energy sources (RES). Following the German model, the country wants to set up a competitive auction system which will include all the major renewable production capacities. The aim is to ensure that all the energy sources are equally incorporated in the future energy mix, which means that each source needs a tailored incentive. The country also wants to bring the energy transition closer to the individual, as public support is crucial for all further investment. Furthermore, the public must become actively involved in the planned energy transition, said Brunner at Thursday’s Austrian Energy Day, organised by Montel.

According to Brunner, the growth of RES will be even stronger in rural areas, whereas there will also be active development in the field of hydrogen and energy storage, including pumped storage power plants. He added that in general, the key thing is to make the entire energy package as pragmatic as possible, so that it can actually be implemented in practice. At the same time, as he explained in the debate, the country will try to avoid repeating German mistakes, such as less successful auctions.

Magnus Brunner

Replying to Montel’s question on the subject, Brunner replied that Austria was very disappointed by the recent dismissal of Austria’s appeal against the government aid that the United Kingdom is planning for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station (MORE), since the Austrian policy regarding nuclear is very clear – it does not and will not support it, said the state secretary.

Join the Young Generation Network’s discussion on nuclear power

Meanwhile, young nuclear experts from Slovenia’s Young Generation Network (operating under the aegis of the Nuclear Society of Slovenia) invite individuals to an awareness-raising event on nuclear power which will take place this Sunday, 27 September, from 11 am to 16 pm at the Prešeren Square in Ljubljana.

With this event, which is part of the global initiative ‘Stand Up for Nuclear’, the experts – and their colleagues in more than 40 cities around the world – aim to offer an accessible and engaging presentation of nuclear power and its role in the future energy mix.

The ‘Stand Up for Nuclear’ initiative will take place for the third consecutive year, whereas Slovenia is joining it for the first time, noted the Young Generation Network.

Listen and see also the interview with William D. Magwood, the Director-General of the Nuclear Energy Agency at the OECD HERE.

This article is available also in Slovene.