- Lower Austria has announced its aim to increase solar PV target to 3 GW, up from 2 GW by 2030
- Wind energy capacity will be increased with the addition of 250 new wind turbines by 2035, including 100 turbines in existing wind farms
- PV Austria wants the government to include additional zoning for PV systems in open spaces and also simplify approval process
The State Government of Lower Austria (Niederösterreich) in Austria is expanding its targeted share of renewables with 350% increase in existing solar PV capacity to 3 TWh by 2030, up from the previous target of 2 TWh, leading to the addition of around 130,000 additional PV installations, up from 70,000 PV systems already installed.
Local PV association PV Austria translates these numbers as an increase in targeted installed capacity from 2 GW to 3 GW by 2030.
Presenting this as one of the 5 ‘concrete measures’ for the state to lower prices and increase energy security in times of attacks on gas pipelines or impending blackouts, Lower Austrian Head of State Johanna Mikl-Leitner said it will reduce the state’s dependence on foreign supplies and protect from fluctuating energy prices in Europe. Such measures will also help protect the climate.
“Lower Austria is a pioneer in sustainable power generation. Half of all Austrian wind power comes from Lower Austria and a quarter of all Austrian photovoltaic power,” added the governor.
For wind energy, the state plans to increase its capacity by 200% by 2035 and build 250 new wind turbines, including 100 additional turbines added to the existing wind farms.
“The energy system can only be seen globally. Problems can only be solved at European level, but we also need national activities and activities in the federal states,” said Managing Director of Austrian Energy Agency, Franz Angerer.
PV Austria hopes that the government will now follow with bold implementation of the plans and include additional zoning for PV systems in open spaces comprising dual use concepts. Simplification in approval process will be sought, stated PV Austria CEO Herbert Paierl.
Lower Austria follows the footsteps of another Austrian state, Burgenland that earlier this year in March 2022 said it will target 3.2 GW solar capacity by 2030 as part of measures to become climate neutral and energy independent (see Burgenland Aims For 3.2 GW Solar).
