The energy transition in Austria experienced unprecedented progress, according to the latest projections by the Fraunhofer Institute, based on data from the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) for the year 2023. The share of renewables in Austrian electricity generation reached an impressive 87%, marking a significant increase compared to the 78% recorded in 2022.

In a Europe-wide comparison, Austria ranked as the country with the second highest share of renewable electricity generation in 2023, after Luxembourg (89.6%) and ahead of Lithuania (80.2%) and Denmark (81.5%).

The record growth is mainly attributed to the significant increase in photovoltaics (PV.) PV's share of electricity generation has more than doubled since 2022 from 0.98 terawatt hours (TWh) to 2.35 TWh in 2023, now accounting for 4.4% of Austria's electricity generation. The record expansion in 2023 is expected to have an even greater impact on 2024 generation.

In addition, wind power also contributed to the growth, with its share increasing from 7.19 TWh in 2022 to 8.26 TWh in 2023. This means that wind power accounts for more than 15% (15.3%) of Austrian electricity generation for the first time.

"The high increase in the share of renewables in electricity generation and the great demand for subsidies from the Climate Protection Ministry show that People in Austria want to make a contribution to the energy transition and switch to clean electricity. Every additional solar power plant and wind power plant in our country protects the climate, strengthens our independence and ensures falling energy prices. It is really good news that so many people are doing their bit. Since this year, this has been made even easier for them: VAT is no longer applicable for smaller PV systems." Said Leonore Gewessler, Climate Protection Minister.

On the other side, starting this year, the sales tax on smaller PV systems will be eliminated. PV systems up to 35-kilowatt peak (kWp) are no longer subject to VAT, easing the financial burden for individuals. This measure seeks to further encourage the adoption of private PV systems and simplify the process by eliminating the need to submit applications.