Austria's 2030 renewable energy target faces winter shortages and policy gaps

Austria aims to expand its wind power capacity by around 500 MW each year until 2030. This push is part of a broader plan to add 4,000 MW to the current 4,200 MW, fulfilling the coalition's energy targets. However, conflicting policies and unclear targets are creating challenges for investors and the grid itself.

The country's goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030 has led to an overemphasis on summer production, leaving winter supply shortages. As a result, expensive gas imports remain necessary, undermining the transition to cleaner energy.

One key issue lies in Austria's current renewable targets, which focus on annual averages rather than monthly consistency. Redefining the goal to ensure at least 95% renewable electricity in every month could prevent winter gaps and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Another proposed solution involves adjusting energy storage schedules. By shifting charging times from early morning to midday, grid congestion could be eased, potentially delaying costly infrastructure upgrades.

Solar power generation could also see significant improvements. Building farms in high-altitude areas—above the fog line—would boost output compared to valley locations, where fog often reduces efficiency. Biomass plants offer another opportunity: by idling in summer and doubling winter capacity, they could cut gas imports and lower certificate costs.

Beyond electricity, Austria's heating and transport sectors require urgent reform. Accelerating support for modern, low-emission heating systems would directly reduce atmospheric CO₂. Meanwhile, phasing out diesel subsidies could speed up the shift to electric mobility, cut cross-border 'fuel tourism', and lower national emissions. Setting a clear annual benchmark for electric vehicle registrations would further reinforce this transition.

However, not all proposed measures align with Austria's climate goals. A moratorium on carbon storage projects has been suggested as long as oil and gas remain part of the heating supply. Critics argue that without clearer policies, misallocated investments and inefficiencies will persist.

Austria's renewable energy strategy faces both opportunities and obstacles. Adjusting storage schedules, optimising solar and biomass use, and reforming heating and transport policies could strengthen energy security and cut emissions. Yet without clearer targets and coordinated action, the risk of inefficiency—and continued gas dependence—remains.