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 from politics, industry and the population. With the “Future Pact for Austria”, Oesterreichs Energie, the interest group for the electronic economy, 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. So that we can continue to rely on our energy system in the future, the right steps must be taken now,” explains Michael Strugl, President of Oesterreichs Energie. “We are making an offer to the Austrians, politicians and the economy: We will build the energy system of the future – if the conditions for it are created now.”
Austria’s Energy Secretary General Barbaras Schmidt emphasizes that the industry is united behind the necessary restructuring of the energy system. “We support the energy and climate goals and are working hard to achieve them. But we see that we are currently not making progress fast enough. Our appeal: Let’s pull together here – this issue is too important to be left to day-to-day politics.
The next National Council elections in the fall will also set the course for the energy sector.”
The e-economy makes
Regardless of this, the Austrian energy industry is already working hard to convert the system. In addition to expanding renewable energy sources and the network infrastructure, the e-industry is building numerous storage systems and working on the digitalization of the system. As part of the “Future Pact”, the industry is now committed to further pushing expansion projects to achieve energy and climate goals. “The e-economy is driving system change. However, in the interests of a secure, affordable and sustainable energy supply, we must put the system on a completely new footing in the coming decades. We are ready for that,” says Strugl.
The e-economy needs
The e-industry is already working on transforming the system in many areas. However, long procedures, a lack of space or a lack of public support often slow down energy projects. That is why the industry is now campaigning for broader support among citizens, politicians and administration. In order for the conversion to be successful, the right environment must now be created in various areas.
As part of the “Future Pact for Austria”, the e-industry has defined six subject areas with urgent need for action:
1. Clear commitment to transformation
Austria must take energy supply more into its own hands and reduce dependencies. This is the only way we can ensure 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 in stabilizing electricity prices. This requires a functional legal framework, targeted incentives and enough space.
3. Security of supply through strong networks, storage and flexibilities
The Austrian electricity system is one of the most reliable in the world – for it to stay 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 goals, we need significantly more speed with approvals and procedures.
5. Innovative minds and “moonshot mindset”
In addition to established approaches, we need innovative technologies and numerous skilled workers for the energy system of the future.
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 about the “Future Pact for Austria” and the specific demands of the e-industry in the individual subject areas can be found online at https://zukunftspakt.at.
Questions & Contact:
Austria’s energy
Christian Zwittnig
Press spokesman
0043 1 50198 – 260; Mobil: 0043 676 845019260
presse@oesterreichsenergie.at
www.oesterreichsenergie.at