COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Austria Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union
Date: 2015-11-18
Institutions: European Commission, Secretariat-General
Subjects: Austria, competitiveness, economic and social cohesion, electrical energy, energy policy, gas, innovation, reduction of gas emissions, regional cooperation, single market

EN 

   EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 18.11.2015  SWD(2015) 208 final   COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Austria Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union {COM(2015) 572} {SWD(2015) 209} {SWD(2015) 217 à 243}  
 
 
Towards an Energy Union  
         Austria  

Macroeconomic relevance of energy 

IMPORTANCE OF THE ENERGY SECTOR 

The  macroeconomic  significance  of  the  energy  sector  in  the  Austrian  economy  has  somewhat 
decreased since 2005 with a share in gross value added below the EU average in 2012. The share of 
employment in the energy sector has also decreased, while remaining well above the EU average.   

Source: EUROSTAT – National Accounts 

According to EurObserv'ER, in 2013, the share 
of  direct  and 
indirect  renewable  energy 
related  employment  in  total  employment  of 
the  economy  in  Austria  was  at  about  0.97%, 
above  the  EU  average  of  0.53%,  underlining 
the  high  importance  of  renewable  energy  for 
job creation in the country. 

Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EurObserv'ER  and 
EUROSTAT 

TRADE BALANCE OF ENERGY PRODUCTS 

Austria is a net importer of all energy sources and its overall energy trade deficit is larger than that of 
the  EU28.  Oil  is  the  largest  component  of  the  trade  deficit.  The  total  energy  trade  deficit  has 
decreased between 2006 and 2014 from 3.4% of GDP to 2.9%. Despite the energy trade deficit, the 
country  has  however  managed  to  run  a  persistent  –  yet  decreasing  -  current  account  surplus  over 
these years.    

0.00.40.81.21.62.02.420052012ATEU27Value added of energy sector% of grossvalue added (total economy)0.000.100.200.300.400.500.600.7020052012ATEU27Employment in energy sector% of total employment 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Austria 

Source: EUROSTAT) 
Note: Current account balance for EU28 from European Commission (AMECO) 

1. Energy Security, solidarity and trust 

ENERGY MIX 

The energy mix of Austria differs from the one of the EU-28, with the notable difference of a much 
higher share of renewables, lower share of solid fuels and the absence of nuclear. Compared to 1995, 
the share of solid fuels and petroleum and products decreased (from 13% to 10% and from 42 to 37% 
of the gross inland energy consumption respectively), while the share of renewable energy increased 
by 8 percentage points to 30%. The share of gases decreased from 24 to 21% of the energy mix. 

Gross inland energy consumption in 2013  

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

IMPORT DEPENDENCY 

Austria  has  an  import  dependency  above  the  EU  average  for  fossil  fuels  as  well  as  higher 
dependencies  on  gas  and  petroleum  and  products.  Austria  imports  at  least  62%  of  its  gas  from 
Russia1.  This  also  translates  in  a  high  supplier  concentration  index.  Austria  benefits  from  large 
underground gas storage facilities with a capacity above the average annual domestic consumption. 
The  high  share  of  renewable  energy  in  the  energy  mix  (80%  renewable  energy  share  in  gross 
electricity generation) and energy efficiency improvements contribute to limiting import dependency. 
Austria experiences an above EU-average energy trade deficit (expressed as % of GDP).  

1  

Top non-EU gas suppliers table is based on EUROSTAT data. The share of imports from non-EU countries is calculated 
as the ratio between volumes of imports from that specific non-EU supplier and total imports  (from EU and non-EU 
countries). 

2 

-4-3-2-101234ATEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2006 -4-3-2-101234ATEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Austria 

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

2. A fully-integrated internal energy market 

INTERCONNECTIONS 

is  an  example 

The  interconnection  level  for  electricity  was  of  29%  in 
2014  for  Austria,  which  is  above  the  2020  and  2030 
targets.  The  implementation  of  Projects  of  Common 
Interest (PCIs) until 2020 will further increase this level. 
It  needs  to  be  taken  into  account  that  de  facto  the 
interconnection level of Austria is higher as it forms one 
common  price  zone  with  Germany.  The  common  price 
zone  with  Germany 
for  regional 
integration  and  offers  high  liquidity  on  the  spot  and 
futures  markets.  However,  the  Austrian  electricity  grid 
faces  growing  challenges  due  to  high  and  increasing 
production  of  electricity  from  solar  and  wind.  The 
central 
location  of  the  country  also  poses  further 
challenges  as  regards  the  efficient  accommodation  of 
the North-South electricity flows. Therefore the focus of 
the  PCIs  is  mostly  on  the  reinforcement  of  the  internal 
lines, additional high-voltage lines to Germany, Italy and 
Switzerland  and  expansion  of  electricity  storage 
capacities  

Source: European Commission based on ENTSO-E 
scenario outlook and adequacy forecast 2014 
Note: Reference to 2030 target is based on October 
2014 European Council conclusions stating that 
"the Commission will also report regularly to the 
European Council with the objective of arriving at 
a 15% target by 2030" 

In  gas,  remaining  potential  bottlenecks  at  certain  entry-exit  points,  the  existing  mismatch  of 
capacities  and  the  non-coordinated  development  of  capacities  between  Germany  and  Austria  are 
being tackled. PCIs in gas are addressing better market integration as well as enabling reverse flows. 
Austria is also a significant transit country for gas as it is well-located along gas routes from Russia to 
Italy and Southern Germany. Its transit capacities help to secure the energy supply of its neighbours. 
In total, Austria has 22 PCIs including 12 PCI in electricity (of which 4 are storage projects), 9 in gas 
and 1 in oil. 

3 

Top non-EU gas suppliers in 2013 (% in total imports)AustriaEuropean Union country[%]country[%]Russia62.7Russia39.0Not specified23.4Norway29.5Norway13.9Algeria9.7Qatar6.771%62%91%93%88%75%52%53%82%87%57%65%200520132005201320052013All fuelsPetroleum andproductsNatural gasATEU28Import dependency 2013Top non-EU gas suppliers in 2013 (% in total imports)AustriaEuropean Union country[%]country[%]Russia62.7Russia39.0Not specified23.4Norway29.5Norway13.9Algeria9.7Qatar6.771%62%91%93%88%75%52%53%82%87%57%65%200520132005201320052013All fuelsPetroleum andproductsNatural gasATEU28Import dependency 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Austria 

ELECTRICITY AND GAS MARKETS 

Market concentration index for power generation (left, 2014) and 
gas (right, 2013). (Herfindahl index – a 10000 value corresponds to 
a monopoly) 

Sources:ESTAT and European Commission Calculations 

Sources: European Commission based on ESTAT, CEER and Platts Power 
Vision 

The  concentration  of  the  power  generation  market  is  below  EU  average  while  the  market 
concentration  in  gas  is  above.  On  the  retail  level  market  concentration  is  high  with  three  main 
suppliers  holding  56%  of  the  market  in  the  electricity  and  72%  in  the  gas  sector.  However  the 
liquidity  at  the  Austrian  virtual  gas  trading  point  and  on  the  wholesale  gas  market  in  general  is 
developing  well2.  Wholesale  electricity  and  gas  prices  are  slightly  below  while  retail  prices  for 
households are slightly above EU average, mostly because of high levies and taxes. Being dependent 
on  gas  imports,  it  is  essential  for  Austria  to  have  cross-border  transport  capacity  available  to  gas 
traders.  
The  switching  rates  for  electricity  and  gas  consumers  are  below  the  EU  average.  New  rules, 
introduced  in  2013,  have  probably  contributed  to  an  increase  in  the  number  of  consumers  who 
subsequently  switched  gas  and  electricity  supplier.  According  to  a  European  survey  consumer 
satisfaction3 in Austria is high for the electricity but only average for the gas sector.  
Austria has a plan to roll-out smart gas and electricity meters with all required functionalities.  
In order to respond to citizens’ concerns about the import of electricity from nuclear and fossil fuels 
based  power  plants  from  other  Member  States  and  to  enhance  the  information  available  to 
consumers, Austria imposes an obligation of proof of origin for 100% of the energy supply. Possible 
impacts on cross-border electricity trade with other Member States will need to be monitored, as not 
all Member States have certificates of origin in place.  

CONTRIBUTION OF ENERGY TO CONSUMER PRICE EVOLUTION 

The contribution of energy prices to inflation in Austria has been very similar to that in the whole 
of the Euro area and overall has been relatively modest. Since  2011 the disinflationary impact of 
falling energy prices has been slightly more evident in Austria than in the Euro area. However the 
overall inflation rate in Austria has been slightly higher than in the Euro area after 2010 due to the 
contribution of non-energy items.    

2   More than 175 registered Hub members and a recent annual volume development of +13 % on the OTC market and 

+64 % on the exchange market. 
10th Consumer Markets Scoreboard (June 2014),   

3  
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/consumer_evidence/consumer_scoreboards/10_edition/index_en.htm 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Austria 

Source:DG ECFIN based on Eurostat 

VULNERABLE CONSUMERS 

Based  on  a  EUROSTAT  survey  on  income  and 
living  conditions,  three  proxy  indicators  are 
used  to  assess  fuel  poverty 
issues.  They 
indicate that while relevant, the problem is less 
stringent  in  Austria  than  in  many  other  EU 
countries. There are exemptions from levies for 
consumers  with 
income  and  other 
measures  to  protect  vulnerable  consumers,  as 
well  as 
implicit  references  to  vulnerable 
consumers  in  social  protection  legislation.  At 
the same time, there is no explicit definition of 
the  concept  of  vulnerable  consumers,  i.e.  a 
specific  consumer  group  which 
is  deemed 
vulnerable based on the energy legislation. 

low 

 Source: European Commission, based on on EUROSTAT SILC survey 

3. Energy Efficiency and moderation of energy demand 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGET 2020  
(31.5 Mtoe primary energy and 25.1 Mtoe final energy) 

is  31.5  Mtoe 
Austria’s  2020  energy  efficiency  target 
expressed 
in  primary  energy  consumption  (25.1  Mtoe 
expressed  in  final  energy  consumption).  Without  additional 
efforts, it will be difficult to continue the decline in primary 
energy  consumption.  More  effort  is  needed  to  further 
decrease Austria's current primary energy consumption (31.9 
Mtoe in 2013) and to keep it at this level so as to reach the 
2020 target if the economy continues to grow in the next six 
years4.  A  new  energy  efficiency  law  has  been  adopted  on  9 
July  2014  with  the  objective  to  transpose  the  Energy 
Efficiency Directive. The law introduces a bundle of measures 
addressing  industrial  buildings,  production  and  services  as 
well as  trade  and  small  scale  consumption,  mobility,  energy 
provision,  security  of  energy  supply  and  the  introduction  of 

 Source:  European  Commission, 
on 
EUROSTAT  and  on  national  energy  efficiency 
targets  as  declared  by  the  MS  under  the  Energy 

based 

Efficiency Directive 

4  

The  Austrian  Energy  Efficiency  Law  foresees  a  final  energy  consumption  of  1050  PJ  (=25,07  Mtoe)  by  2020,  which 
appears more ambitious than the 2020 energy efficiency target. 

5 

-10123420052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsAustria : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices-10123420052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsEA : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Austria 

energy 

efficiency 

obligation 

Effective 
an 
implementation  of  the  new  Energy  Efficiency  Law  will  be 
important  in  order  to  use  the  full  potential  of  energy 
efficiency in a cost-effective manner in view of reaching the 
2020 target.  

system. 

ENERGY INTENSITY 

Primary  energy  intensity  in  Austria  is  well  below  the  EU  average  and  has  decreased  from  2005, 
although at a slightly slower pace than EU average. Energy intensity in the industrial sector is rather 
stable,  and  above  EU  average  linked  to  a  comparatively  high  share  of  energy  intensive  industry  in 
Austria.  

Primary energy intensity of the economy  
(primary energy consumption/GDP)   

Final energy intensity in industry (final energy 
consumption/value added) 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT and 

European Commission/AMECO 

Source:  European  Commission  based  on    EUROSTAT  and  European 
Commission/AMECO 

Austria  has  delivered  the  long-term  strategy  for  mobilising  investment  beyond  2020  in  the 
renovation of the national building stock. The specific energy intensity of passengers cars increased 
slightly (0.2%) between 2005 and 2010 which reflects a less efficient usage of cars (i.e. higher stock, 
maybe  more  efficient  but  fewer  passengers  per  car).  The  specific  energy  intensity  for  freight 
transport slightly decreased (-0.92%) over the same period, and remains above EU average. 

Final  energy  consumption  per  m2 
residential sector, climate corrected 

in 

Specific energy intensity for passenger cars and freight transport5  

Source: European Commission based on  Odyssee 

database 

Source: PRIMES model background data and estimations based on EU Commission 
and EU MS inputs   

5  

Statistics  on  energy  demand  for  passengers  and  freight  transport  are  not  available  and  model  estimates  have  been 
used instead. These issues should be borne in mind when comparing energy intensity in freight or passenger transport 
between Member States, which should be regarded as merely indicative. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Austria 

EU  legislation  sets  mandatory  CO2  emission  reduction  targets  for  new  cars  and  vans.  By  2021,  the 
fleet average to be achieved by all new cars is 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre. For new vans, the fleet 
average is set at 147 g/km by 2020. 

Source: European Environmental Agency. 2014 values are provisional. 2013 EU average refers to EU-27. 

The Austrian Transport Master Plan underlines the importance of EU targets  for CO2 reduction and 
defines  concrete  measures  for  reaching  the  goals.  A  backbone  of  a  resource  efficient  transport 
system in Austria is modernising rail infrastructure and services aiming for an integrated time table 
for Austria. 

Regarding transport performance, in EU28 the inland freight modal shares are 72% by road, 17% by 
rail, 6% by inland waterways and 5% by pipelines. The respective inland passenger modal shares are 
82%  by  private  car,  9%  by  buses  and  coaches,  7%  by  railways  and  2%  by  tram  and  metro.  Austria 
reports a higher use of rail freight and passenger transport than the European average. It is among 
the countries with the highest share of rail transport: concerning passenger transport Austria shows 
the highest number of passenger-km on rail per capita in the EU28. 

Modal shares Austria 

Source: Eurostat and EU transport in figures 2015. Data refers to 2013. Modal shares based on tonne-kilometres for freight sector and 
passenger-kilometres for passenger sector, freight data based on activity within country territory. Estimates are made when data is missing. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Austria 

4. Decarbonisation of the economy 

NON-ETS GHG EMISSION REDUCTION TARGET 2020  
(-16% by 2020 as compared to 2005 in the non-ETS sector) 

has 

decreased 

Austria 
its 
emissions  by  17%  between  2005 
(based  on  2014 
and  2014 
approximated data).  

Source: European Commission  based on EEA. Based on preliminary inventory data. 

ESD  (Effort  Sharing  Decision)  emissions  are  the  emissions  from  sectors  not  covered  by 
the EU ETS 

The  LULUCF  sector  (i.e.  forestry),  which  is  not  part  of  the  Effort 
Sharing  Decision,  is  expected  to  become  a  source  of  emissions  after 
2020. 

Non-ETS Emissions 
(vs. 2005) 

Projections with 
existing measures 
2020 

Projections/proxy 

target 

-12% 

-16% 

Proxy 2014 

-17% 

-10% 

According  to  its  2015  projections 
based on existing measures, it can 
be expected that on average over 
the  2013-2020  period,  Austria's 
non-ETS  emissions  will  be  below 
the  relevant  targets.  However, 
Austria is expected to fall short of 
its  target  in  2020  by  a  4%  gap 
(compared  to  2005).  Additional 
effective 
efforts 
and 
implementation  of 
the  new 
measures  "Programme  of  Policies 
2015-2018" 
and  Measures 
adopted  under  the  Climate  Act  in 
June  2015  are 
consequently 
needed to meet this 2020 national 
target.  

RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARE TARGET 2020 (34%) 

With  a  renewable  energy  share  of  33%  in 
2013,  Austria  is  on  track  to  reach  its  34% 
target  in  2020.  Based  on  a  traditionally 
high  contribution  from  hydropower  which 
was  moderately  expanded  this  positive 
development  was  achieved  mainly  by 
strong  growth  in  the  utilisation  of  wind 
energy, PV and in particular biomass. 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INDICATORS 

  Austria  aims  at  reducing  transport  emissions  inter  alia  through  measures  of  shifting 
individual  transport. 
freight  transport  to  rail  and  water  and  thereby  reducing 
Furthermore,  e-mobility  infrastructure  and  infrastructure  development  are  needed  to 
further  reduce  emissions  in  the  transport  sector.  While  the  Austrian  Energy  Strategy 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Austria 

 

aims  for  250,000  electric  vehicles  by  2020,  the  number  of  such  vehicles  merely 
amounted to 3800 in 2014. 
In  2014,  the  revenues  from  the  auctioning  of  ETS  allowances  amounted  to  EUR  53.6 
millions. Revenues in Austria are not earmarked in the national budget, nevertheless, an 
equal  amount  has  been  reported  to  be  used  or  planned  to  be  used  for  climate  and 
energy related purposes.  

GHG Emissions 

Austria 

EU 

Largest Sectors of GHG 
Emissions in 2012 (*) 

Energy/power industry 

Transport 

Industry 

Agriculture (incl. forestry & 
fishery) 

Residential & Commercial 

Waste & others 

Austria 

EU 
Average 

16% 

27% 

33% 

10% 

11% 

3% 

33% 

20% 

19% 

12% 

13% 

3% 

(*)Sectoral breakdown for 2013 data not available. 

EU ETS auctioning  
revenues in 2014 
(EUR millions) 

Share of ETS 
emissions in 2013 

GHG emissions/capita 
in 2013 
(tCO2equivalent) 
Carbon intensity of 
the economy in 2013 
(tCO2equivalent/(EUR 
millions) 

53.6 

3205 

38% 

42% 

9.4 

8.5 

260 

328 

Source: European Commission  based on EEA 

ENERGY & TRANSPORT TAXATION 

In Austria, energy and transport related taxes as a share of GDP was slightly above the EU28 
average  in  2005.  The  main  decomposition  shows  that  the  country  had  relatively  higher 
taxation  of  transport  vehicles  but  lower  taxation  of  transport  fuels  compared  to  the  EU 
average.  In  2012,  the  gap  vis-à-vis  the  EU  appears  to  have  remained  broadly  the  same, 
although  the  taxation  of  heat  and  electricity  taxes  as  a  share  of  GDP  was  slightly  reduced 
compared to the EU average.  

Source:Eurostat 

5. Research, innovation and competitiveness 

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 

Austria is slightly below EU average, above the US and below Japan and South Korea in terms of 
public  support  share  allocated  to  research  and  innovation  in  the  field  of  energy  and 
environment.  In  terms  of  intensity  of  low-carbon  technologies  patents,  Austria  performs  well, 

9 

0.01.02.03.0ATEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2005TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity0.01.02.03.0ATEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2012TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Austria 

above EU average and main worldwide partners. Austria has a substantial number of innovative 
and  export  oriented  companies  in  the  field  of  renewable  energies  (in  particular  biomass 
combustion and solar thermal energy) and energy efficiency technologies.  

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT   

COMPETITIVENESS 

The  real  unit  energy  costs6  in  Austria  increased 
from 2000 and are in line with the EU average but 
well above the US levels. When decomposing the 
factors,  it  can  be  noted  that  real  energy  prices 
have increased in Austria over the past ten years. 
Being almost at the same level as the EU average, 
they remain higher than in the US. However, the 
energy intensity of Austria's manufacturing sector 
is lower than the EU's and in particular the US7. 
looking  at  electricity  prices  paid  by 
When 
industrial 
strongly 
(which 
according  to  sectors),  it  can  be  noted  that  such 
prices  are  in  line  with  those  of  most  of  non-EU 
trading  partners,  except  the  US.  Regarding  gas 
prices, they are in line with OECD prices, but well 
above American and Canadian prices.  

customers 

vary 

Real unit energy costs (% of value added) 

Source: European Commission 

Source: European Commission based on EUROSTAT and IEA 

6  

7  

This indicator measures the amount of money spent on energy sources needed to obtain one unit of value added. The 
here: 
develop 
to 
methodological 
http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/european_economy/2014/pdf/ee1_en.pdf.  
The  energy  intensity  presented  here  is  derived  from  Use  Tables  of  WIOD,  see    "Energy  Economic  Developments  in 
Europe SWD(2014)19". 

approach 

indicator 

available 

used 

this 

is 

10 

7.39.58.211.513.28.813.613.78.00246810121416ATEU27US200020092011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Austria 

6. Post-2020 Energy and Climate policy Strategy  

COMPREHENSIVE MEDIUM TO LONG-TERM STRATEGY (post-2020)  
FOR CLIMATE AND ENERGY 

  Austria has not yet established a comprehensive climate and energy strategy going beyond 2020. 
  The  Austrian  Energy  Strategy  (2010)  indicates  which  strategic  priorities  and  measures  are 
appropriate to achieve Austria’s objectives by the year 2020. One of the main aims of the current 
Austrian Energy Strategy is to increase the share of renewable energy sources (RES) in gross final 
energy consumption to 34% by 2020. The Climate Change Act (2011) provides the framework for 
regulating  the  overall  Austrian  climate  change  strategy  until  2020  (and  beyond)  to  ensure 
achievement  of  the  Austrian  non-ETS  target.  For  the  post-2020  period  no  targets  or  specific 
measures have yet been defined but they are currently being planned. Existing policies in various 
areas (e.g. buildings, waste, F-gas legislation, incentives for renewable energy and energy taxes) 
will continue to limit emissions also in 2030.  

  The  development  of  an  Energy  Strategy  for  2030  has  started  but  is  still  at  an  early  stage.  This 
should  take  into  account  three  targets:  greenhouse  gas  emissions,  renewables  and  energy 
efficiency.  

  Austria  has  started  developing  a  low-carbon  development  strategy  covering  the  period  until 
2050.  Most  of  the  Austrian  provinces  have  developed  longer-term  strategies  for  low-carbon 
development, with a view beyond 2020. 

NATIONAL TARGETS, especially for 2030 

Objective, 2030-2050 
GHG reduction  
Renewable energy  
Energy Efficiency / savings 

Targets 
No 
No 
No 

Comments 

7. Regional cooperation 

Regional  cooperation  on  infrastructure  development  is  necessary  to  optimise  the  identification  of 
regional infrastructure priorities and to coordinate cross-border investments.  Austria is a member of 
several  Regional  Groups  which  have  been  established  under  the  trans-European  energy  networks 
(TEN-E) Regulation. Most  notably, Austria is a member in 2 electricity Regional Groups,  i.e. North-
South  electricity  interconnections  in  Western  Europe  (NSI  West  Electricity)  and  North-South 
electricity interconnections in Central Eastern and South Eastern Europe (NSI East Electricity); 2 gas 
Regional Groups, i.e. North-South gas interconnections in Central Eastern and South Eastern Europe 
(NSI  East  Gas)  and  Southern  Gas  Corridor  (SGC);  and  in  the  only  oil  Regional  Group,  i.e.  Oil  supply 
connections in Central Eastern Europe (OSC). 

Austria  is  also  a  member  of  the  recently  created  High  Level  Group  on  Central  East  South  Europe 
Connectivity (CESEC) together with Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Slovakia and 
Slovenia.  The  objective  of  this  Group  is  to  establish  a  regional  priority  infrastructure  roadmap  and 
advance  its  implementation  in  order  to  develop  missing  infrastructure  and  improve  security  of  gas 
supplies.  

Austria  is  a  member  of  the  Pentalateral  Energy  Forum.  It  was  created  in  2005  by  Energy  Ministers 
from Benelux, Germany and France in order to promote collaboration on cross-border exchange of 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Austria 

electricity.  It  is  an  inter-governmental  initiative,  assisted  by  an  independent  secretariat,  whose 
mission  consists  of  improving  control  of  the  cross-border  network  and  harmonising  allocation 
methods  using  information  exchange  between  regulators  and  network  managers  in  participating 
countries. Austria also participates in the German-led round-table on market developments. 

8. Cohesion policy contribution 

The  EU  Cohesion  policy  provides  investment  possibilities  to  implement  energy  policy  objectives  in 
Austria  which will be complemented  by  national  public  and  private co-financing,  aiming  at  optimal 
leverage. It also ensures integrated territorial solutions to challenges by supporting capacity building, 
technical  assistance  and  territorial  cooperation,  including  the  Danube  Region  and  Alpine  Region 
macro-regional strategies in which Austria takes part. 

Energy  efficiency:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest  some  EUR  81  million  in  energy 
efficiency improvements mainly in enterprises, but also in public and residential buildings in Austria. 
A  further  estimated  EUR  5  million  will  be  invested  in  supporting  the  move  towards  an  energy-
efficient, decarbonised transport sector in urban areas.  

Decarbonisation:  Overall,  the  EU  Cohesion  Policy  investments  in  Austria  over  2014-2020  are 
expected to contribute to an estimated annual decrease of GHG of around 213 000 tonnes of CO2eq.  

Research,  Innovation  and  Competitiveness:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will 
invest 
significantly in R&I and in SME competitiveness in Austria. This will be based on the national strategy 
as well as regional strategies for smart specialisation. For Austria, the strategies include a focus on 
energy  and  environment,  material  and  production  as  well  as  mobility.  At  this  stage,  about  EUR  17 
million is foreseen for investments in R&I and adoption of low-carbon technologies in Austria.  

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