
Renewable energy is more popular than ever in Austria
Current study shows that acceptance of renewable energy projects has increased. Concern about climate change is causing a rethink among the population.
Since 2015, an annual mood barometer has been surveying the Austrian population's opinion on the topic of renewable energies. The current version of this study dates from January 2023 and was created by Deloitte in collaboration with WU Vienna and Wien Energie. For this purpose, a representative sample of 1,000 people were surveyed in October and November 2022. In short: support for renewable energy projects is at an all-time high.
For example, respondents were asked whether such a project would be accepted in or near their own community. 89 percent of those surveyed have no problem with photovoltaics, 78% accept small hydroelectric power plants and 69% still accept wind turbines. On average, the acceptance rate is 79%.
The conditions for the rapid expansion of renewable energies are better than ever today - politicians have recognized this. The federal government’s renewables offensive is therefore welcome. Further steps must now be taken quickly in order to achieve the set goals.
Nina Hampl , study author from the University of Klagenfurt and WU Vienna
Key Findings:
- Acceptance: Approval of renewable energy projects is high
- Spread: further expansion of photovoltaics, small hydropower and wind energy desired
- own contribution: conscious, individual measures to save energy in the majority of the population
- Electromobility: interest in it is currently stagnating, due to unfavorable conditions
Photovoltaics on the rise
The use of solar energy is currently particularly popular among those surveyed. 9 out of 10 are in favor of new photovoltaic projects in their own community. 81% are in favor of expanding photovoltaic systems on roofs or facades, 71 percent are in favor of further expanding ground-mounted PV. The willingness to install your own PV system has also increased. A third of those planning such a private project would like to implement it quickly within the next 12 months. The main reason for this: the current energy crisis.

The proportion of homeowners who want to install electricity storage in addition to PV systems has also continued to rise. 28 percent have already decided to do so, 42 percent have at least already thought about it. An electricity storage system has great advantages for the personal use of a photovoltaic system. The coverage of your own electricity consumption increases from around 30 percent to 60 to 70%.
The increasing popularity of PV systems is encouraging. However, one of the big challenges is still the heat transition.
Nina Hampl
More homeowners want to rely on renewable heat supplies in the future. Around a quarter of heating systems in Austria are still based on natural gas. However, wood, wood chip and pellet heating systems as well as heat pumps were able to increase. The proportion of air source heat pumps has more than doubled in the last five years. The general awareness of the importance of renewable heat supply has increased. 24% want to install appropriate heating, another 36% have at least thought about it. For many, the war in Ukraine and the associated uncertainties in energy supplies are the reason.

Renewable energy: rethinking because of the climate crisis
Many people view the energy transition as a community project. Accordingly, interest in participating in an energy community has currently increased. According to a Deloitte study, more than half of those surveyed could imagine taking part in an association of private households, schools, communities or businesses. In this way, energy can be distributed among each other.
The climate crisis is seen by many as the biggest problem of the coming decades. That's why more than two thirds of those surveyed accept personal restrictions in order to make a contribution to saving energy. A good half are currently reducing their electricity consumption by changing their behavior, 45% are reducing the room temperature during the heating season. Many do not know exactly how much energy they use (28 percent), but are still willing to save. Only 18 percent of those surveyed had taken no action at all in the last six months.
The number of registrations of electric vehicles is currently at a record level. At the end of 2022, there were a good 110,000 purely electric cars (minus hybrid vehicles) on Austrian roads. However, interest is now beginning to stagnate. According to the study, 43% of Austrians are definitely interested in buying an electric car. However, the high electricity costs due to the energy crisis and high purchase costs deter many people. The still not very high ranges are also dampening enthusiasm. The Climate Protection Ministry will nevertheless continue to promote e-mobility in 2023.
Sources: Deloitte , Mood Barometer 2023 , Information Center of the Ministry of Climate Protection
More on the topic: Photo of the Schladminger Planai from 1988 does not disprove climate change!
Notes:
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were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )
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