Vienna (OTS) – Energy supply is a key economic and socio-political area. For a reliable, renewable and competitive energy future in Austria, we need clear framework conditions and a joint approach by politicians, industry and the population. With the “Future Pact for Austria”, Oesterreichs Energie, the interest group for the e-industry, today presented its program for achieving energy and climate goals.
“A secure and affordable energy supply cannot be taken for granted – the crises of recent years have clearly shown this. The right steps must be taken now so that we can continue to rely on our energy system in the future,” explains Michael Strugl, President of Oesterreichs Energie. “We are making an offer to the Austrian people, politicians and the economy: We will build the energy system of the future – if the conditions for this are created now.”
Austria’s Energy Secretary General Barbara Schmidt emphasises that the industry is united behind the necessary restructuring of the energy system. “We support the energy and climate targets and are working hard to achieve them. However, we see that we are not making progress quickly enough at the moment. Our appeal: Let us pull together here – this issue is too important to be left to day-to-day politics. The upcoming national elections in the autumn will also set the course for the energy sector.”
The e-economy makes
Irrespective of this, the Austrian energy industry is already working hard to restructure the system. In addition to expanding renewable energy sources and the network infrastructure, the e-industry is building numerous storage facilities and working on digitizing the system. As part of the “Future Pact,” the industry is now committed to further pushing forward expansion projects to achieve energy and climate goals. “The e-industry is driving the change in the system. In the interests of a secure, affordable and sustainable energy supply, however, we must put the system on a completely new footing in the coming decades. We are ready to do this,” says Strugl.
The e-economy needs
The e-industry is already working on the transformation of the system in many areas. However, long procedures, a lack of space or a lack of public support often slow down energy projects. This is why the industry is now calling for broader support from citizens, politicians and the administration. In order for the transformation to succeed, the right environment must now be created in various areas.
As part of the “Future Pact for Austria”, the e-economy has defined six areas where urgent action is needed:
1. Clear commitment to transformation
Austria must take more control of its energy supply and reduce dependencies. This is the only way we can guarantee a high level of security of supply and stable energy prices in the future.
2. Affordable electricity from renewable sources
The rapid expansion of generation is one of the most important levers for stabilizing electricity prices. This requires a functional legal framework, targeted incentives and sufficient space.
3. Security of supply through strong networks, storage and flexibility
The Austrian electricity system is one of the most reliable in the world – to ensure that it remains that way, the networks must be expanded immediately.
4. More speed on the way to the energy future
In order to achieve our energy and climate targets, we need to speed up approvals and procedures significantly.
5. Innovative minds and “moonshot mindset”
For the energy system of the future, we need not only established approaches but also innovative technologies and numerous skilled workers.
6. Clear rules for customers and suppliers
Electricity suppliers need legal certainty and electricity customers expect clear and understandable communication, attractive prices and innovative offers.
Further details on the “Future Pact for Austria” and the specific demands of the e-economy on the individual topic areas can be found online at
Inquiries & Contact:
Austria’s Energy
Christian Zwittnig
Press Officer
0043 1 50198 – 260; Mobil: 0043 676 845019260
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www.oesterreichsenergie.at