For more than a year, the energy industry has been waiting for decisive laws. A new phase of energy policy in Austria begins with the new federal government-and the chance that at least the Electricity Administration Act (ELWG) will be decided before the summer and that the Renewable Expansion Acceleration Act (EABG) will be assessed.
The energy industry urgently needs the legal basis for a rapid expansion of power generation plants and network infrastructure. As the most recent blackout on the Iberian Peninsula showed at the end of April: a reliable energy infrastructure is not a matter of course, but something that the industry works with full every day. Michael Strugl, President of Austria Energie, therefore appeals to the start of the second trend forum 2025: “We are in the middle of the largest conversion of the energy system that we have ever experienced. Now it is important to increase the offer through more renewable production, create more flexibility by building saving and expanding the networks.”
Nevertheless, the domestic e-economy has been waiting for modern energy law for more than a year. The decision of the Electricity Administration Act (ELWG), the Renewable Expansion Acceleration Act (EABG) and the Renewable Gas Act (EGG) is still pending.
Ministry emphasizes urgency
Benedikt Ennser, head of section Energie in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, emphasizes the urgency of a rapid reform on the occasion of the trend forum and at the same time wants to ensure speed in the implementation: “The ELWG brings clear rules for the requirements of our time – with advantages for customers: the longer the old law of 2010 applies, the more expensive it becomes all. I appeal to everyone involved, with pragmatism and focus on the common goal of approaching this big task. ”
At the same time, the new federal government is also working on changes to the funding system: “New legislative projects are the foundation of a strong location. And funding must work where the lever is greatest. This only succeeds in closing politics, business, federal and state governments,” emphasizes State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner in a video message to the more than 150 top -class participants: inside of the trend forum.
But what about implementation? Will the parliamentary parties succeed in finding a sustainable compromise? After all, the ELWG is a law that can only be decided in the National Council with a two -thirds majority. In the trend forum, representatives of all factions gave an insight into their positions – and also showed clear preferences.
Opposition to talks ready
“The ELWG is the new operating system for the energy industry – there is a good draft that has been negotiated with all stakeholders. We are waiting for the government template and are ready for discussions. It takes as soon as possible long -term framework conditions that give the necessary orientation,” says Lukas Hammer, spokesman for mobility, environmental protection, biodiversity of the Greens in the former government.
Paul Hammerl, deputy energy spokesman for the FPÖ, which is also in the opposition, is also willing to talk about in the course of the panel discussion: “If you want to do successful energy policy in the market and costs the population and the economy a lot of money.
Government wants ELWG decision before the summer
Joachim Schnabel, spokesman for traffic and telecommunications of the ÖVP, also admits the topic of energy high priority: “Energy policy is location policy – everything is clocked. Now you still need conversations with the opposition. Our goal is clear: The new electricity law law should be decided before the summer, the other projects go into assessment and be passed promptly.”
Alois Schroll, SPÖ energy spokesman, assures his support in any case, but insists in the same breath, but insists on the most favorable supply: “We bring ourselves into the energy transition reliably. The votes are going well-we use the time to include EU specifications and the government program into the necessary laws and always keep an eye on the affordability of energy.”
The third government parliamentary group, NEOS, is also firmly anchored for a stable framework law. “We need an energy policy that has the need for favorable and reliable energy supply for end customers as well as for industrial and traders. We still need consistent progress for renewable electricity generation, transmission and storage. It is equally important to quickly decide a strategy for green and competitive energy supply for industry,” says Markus Hofer, NeoS spokesman for business, finance and industry/location.
Energy industry demands rapid resolution
Finally, the position of the energy industry brings Barbara Schmidt, General Secretary of Austria’s energy, to the point: “We stand in the energy sector with enormous challenges. So that we can master them, we need legal clarity. Of course, there are also other points that are important to us from the point of view of the industry – from the topic of legal certainty with price adjustments to the relief of saving. But we want these laws to be decided as quickly as possible.”