Wednesday 27 May 2020

IEA: ‘Austria could reach carbon-neutrality by 2040′

Austria could reach carbon-neutrality by 2040, ten years ahead of the European Union’s deadline.

This is according to an in-depth review of the nation’s energy system by the International Energy Agency (IEA), which states Austria’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have increased since 2014 due to growth in the heating and transport sector.

However, it notes the country seeks to fast-track its transition to clean energy by eliminating the use of oil and coal-fired plants by 2035 and plans to generate 100% electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

The government has also announced a comprehensive tax reform for emissions-intensive sectors currently not covered by the European Union’s trading system.

Austria’s ‘Greening the Gas’ initiative is also expected to strengthen renewable gas storage facilities such as hydrogen, allowing a higher share of clean sources in electricity generation.

Dr Fatih Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director, said: “As Austria prepares stimulus plans to respond to the Covid-19 and resulting economic crises, the Austrian government should consider how these plans can help to create jobs while supporting the country’s clean energy transition.”