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Country Close-Up AUSTRIA

The Covenant at a glance

The Covenant of Mayors is the mainstream European movement involving local and regional authorities

voluntarily committed to increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources on

their territories. By their commitment, Covenant Signatories aim to meet and exceed the European

Union 20% CO2 emissions reduction target by 2020.

What motivates Mayors to join?

Covenant in figures [last updated November 2014]

Full list of Signatories, Coordinators and Supporters available at www.eumayors.eu (> About)

25 Signatories

2 Supporters

10 Sustainable Energy Action Plans

1.9 million Inhabitants

24% CO2 reduction target

“…the time has come that we have to act with local measures to fight against global warming and we have to learn from good examples from other European cities.”

Markus Linhart, Mayor of Bregenz, Vorarlberg

“As capital city of Carinthia we want to be a pioneer in climate protection. Therefore we support the Covenant of Mayors.”

Andrea Wulz, Councilwoman of Klagenfurt, Carinthia

“For 25 years the city of Judenburg in Styria has been very strongly engaged in local climate protection measures. Therefore joining the CoM was the continuation of our climate strategy.”

Hannes Dolleschall, Mayor of Judenburg, Styria

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1. Energy policy

Targets

Target year GHG reduction

(2005 levels) Energy efficiency Renewable energy

2020 16% (in non-ETS

sectors) 20%

34% share of renewables in gross final energy

consumption

Energy policies in the spotlight

Green Electricity Act Austria adopted a new Green Electricity Act (Ökostromgesetz) in 2012 which was also approved by the

European Commission. New dynamics and additional financing schemes have already been

observable. This legislation is expected to have a significant impact on the Austrian renewable

electricity market. The Austrian Green Electricity Act is the key policy instrument at the national level to

support electricity from renewable energy sources (RES-E). After its first adoption in 2002, finely

tuned feed-in tariffs caused a particularly strong deployment of wind energy, biomass and biogas. After

a decline of support levels and further modifications (i.e. budget restrictions and reduced guaranteed

duration of support) in recent years, the development of new RES-E projects in Austria almost stopped.

As a consequence, on 23 September 2009, the Federal Parliament passed an extensive amendment

which included several improvements, notably longer support periods, adjusted tariffs and slightly

increased and technology independent overall budget. These changes combined with price reductions

of renewable technologies stimulated new capacity increase. Technology caps were quickly reached,

which resulted in long waiting lists of renewable energy producers. The 2012 Green Electricity Act

addresses these issues.

RES-Heating & Cooling – Environmental Support Act The Environmental Support Act (Umweltförderungsgesetz) supports projects concerning the production

of heating and cooling from renewable energy sources (RES-H&C). Renewable energy sources are

promoted mainly in the form of investment grants. An extended support structure is effective since 1

October 2009. This national regulation addresses commercial entities, non-profit organizations, public

institutions and utilities. Private households receive investment grants for RES-H&C projects at the

provincial level. From a financial point of view and also with regard to the observed effectiveness, these

programmes clearly represent the main promotion scheme for RES-H in Austria.

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RES-Transport – Biofuels The introduction of renewable energy sources in the transport sector is mainly supported in the form of

biofuels. The support strategy is twofold: on one hand, minimum blending obligations guarantee

market access for biogenic products and; on the other hand, tax incentives provide financial support

for biofuel production. Several pilot projects are currently under way to support the development of

electro-mobility (e-mobility).

FURTHER READING

Green Electricity Act Revision 2012 (EN):

http://www.lebensministerium.at/en/fields/environment/Renewableenergy/Ecoelectricityact.html

Environmental Support Act (Umweltförderung im Inland) (DE):

http://www.lebensministerium.at/umwelt/klimaschutz/ufi/ufi.html

Other relevant energy policies

Name Field Purpose

The Austrian Energy Strategy

Renewable energy

The Austrian Energy Strategy aims at developing a sustainable energy system which provides energy services also in the future while at the same time implementing the EU requirements.

National Energy Efficiency Action Plan

Energy Efficiency

The 2nd

Austrian NEEAP was submitted to the European Commission in June 2011 and included the results of the first monitoring period as well as qualitative information on energy efficiency measures in place.

Trend reversal towards renewable energy sources and energy efficiency policies

Renewable energy

The goal of achieving energy autarky in Austria cannot be achieved overnight; it requires great efforts and the restructuring of our energy and economic systems in the long term.

Monitoring sustainable development in Austria

Sustainable development

A set of indicators has been worked out to provide an overall assessment of sustainable development in Austria. Every other year the development is described using these indicators.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental protection at company level

The objective of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to avoid environmental damage beforehand, to regard environmental effects from an integrative and comprehensive point of view.

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2. National energy profile

Key Indicators for 2010

Greenhouse gas emissions per capita 10.4 t CO2/capita

Final energy consumption per capita 3.3 toe/capita

Primary energy consumption per capita 43.5 MWh/capita

Share of renewables in primary energy supply 30.8%

26%

11%

33%

28%

2%

Breakdown of final energy consumption by sector

Residential

Commercial

Transport

Industry

Agriculture

19%

7%

14%

18%

38%

4%

Breakdown of final energy consumption by energy carrier

Electricity

Heat

Renewable Energy

Natural gas

Oil products

Coal

Sources: Austrian Energy Agency (2010); EU energy in figures, Statistical Pocketbook (2011).

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3. Funding instruments

Regional programmes (Federal States)

Energy Agencies of the Federal States (Energieagenturen der Bundesländer) The number of programmes for local authorities at regional level has been rising since the past years.

The objectives and funding are variable depending on the fiscal position of the respective Federal State.

The energy agencies of seven Federal States (Burgenländische Energieagentur, energie:bewusst

Kärnten, Niederösterreichische Energie- und Umweltagentur, Salzburger Institut für Raumordnung und

Wohnen, LandesEnergieVerein Steiermark, Energie Tirol and Energieinstitut Vorarlberg) support

municipalities in implementing sustainable energy and climate protection measures with their

know-how and financially subsidised by the respective Federal State, e.g. by participating in the e5-

programme, the Austrian programme of the European Energy Award. By 2013, 150 municipalities

participate in the e5-programme.

FURTHER READING

Regional programmes (Federal States) (DE):

www.umweltgemeinde.at/aktuelle-foerderungen

www.e5-gemeinden.at/index.php?id=42

www.eabgld.at

www.energiebewusst.at/

www.umweltgemeinde.at/e5-gemeinden

www.e5-salzburg.at/ www.lev.at/ www.energie-gemeinde.at/ www.energieinstitut.at/

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National Funds and Programmes

At the national level, there are a series of programmes which support municipalities, cities and regions.

Most of the programmes, like climate and energy fund, UFI (Environmental subsidies for enterprises

and municipalities), thermal refurbishment, klima:aktiv programme, CO2 certificates are funded by the

Ministry of Life and the Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology.

Austrian Climate and Energy Fund The Austrian Government launched the Climate and Energy Fund in 2007 to support the

implementation of the Austrian Climate Strategy. The total budget for 2013 was about € 140 million.

Climate protection and energy projects in the fields of research, mobility and market penetration are

financed, whose actions are based on two pillars – sustainability and efficiency. Local authorities can

apply for funding for:

Research and development

Electro-mobility

Transport

Renewable energy sources

Energy efficiency

Climate and Energy Model Regions

Buildings

One of the most successful initiatives is the Climate and Energy Model Regions programme which is

coordinated by Climate Alliance Austria. Launched in 2008, the programme has created 106 Climate

and Energy Model Regions with 1,100 participating communities which represent a population of two

and a half million citizens. The main aim of the programme is to support regions in becoming less

dependent on imported fossil fuels and reaching energy self-sufficiency from 2030 to 2050. Climate

and Energy Model Regions are key instruments to reach the Austrian Government’s target of becoming

energy self-sufficient by 2050. The Climate and Energy Model Regions programme is divided into three

phases:

Phase 1: Development of an implementation concept with predefined requirements with

involvement of essential stakeholders.

Phase 2: A model region manager receives funding and support for the acquisition of know-how

for a period of two years. The manager is in charge of the implementation of projects and of

awareness-raising in the region.

Phase 3: The Climate and Energy Fund supports the Climate and Energy Model Regions

through exclusive investment assistance for projects in the field of renewable energy and

energy efficiency.

The maximum amount of funding for phases 1 and 2 is € 100,000 per year. Co-financing by the region

is a requirement and also a success factor. Prolongation is possible, but requires successful evaluation.

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klima:aktiv The klima:aktiv programme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water

Management, embedded in the Austrian Federal Climate Strategy, launched in 2004. The programme

aims at promoting climate friendly technologies and services. There are four thematic clusters:

Buildings, Energy Efficiency, Mobility and Renewable Energy, for which specific programmes are

carried out. These programmes follow a comprehensive and systematic approach in supporting the

market introduction of climate-friendly technologies, services and activities. klima:aktiv follows the idea

of market transformation aiming at raising the share of energy efficient products and services. The

activities of klima:aktiv focus on offering consulting, training and education initiatives, developing quality

standards, providing information and raising awareness, and promoting networking.

implementing quality assurance measures and providing financially subsidies especially in the field of

mobility management as well as awareness raising among the public.

FURTHER READING

Programmes of the Ministry of Life (EN): www.lebensministerium.at/en/fields/environment.html

Programmes of the Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology (EN): www.bmvit.gv.at/en/innovation/index.html

Austrian Climate and Energy Fund (DE): www.klimafonds.gv.at/ueber-uns/aufgaben-and-ziele

Climate and Energy Model Regions (DE): www.klimaundenergiemodellregionen.at/start.asp?b=5125

Klima:aktiv (EN/DE): www.klimaaktiv.at

European Funds and Programmes

The European Union launched several programmes in the area of climate protection and sustainable

energy policy, for example Intelligent Energy Europe and INTERREG. Depending on the programme,

up to 75% of project costs are financed.

Cross-border transnational and interregional cooperation: the INTERREG programmes in Austria During the programming period 2007-2013, Austria is involved in several cross border programmes with

its neighbouring countries (INTERREG IVA) and transnational cooperation programmes (INTERREG

IVB), like Alpine Space or Central Europe.

FURTHER READING

Covenant of Mayors Leaflet “Inspirational Financing Schemes – Food for Thought for Covenant Signatories”:

www.eumayors.eu (> Support > Library)

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4. Covenant in action

Signatories in action

City of Vienna – 20 years of successful climate protection Climate protection has been a very important topic of the

Austrian capital city for many years. In 1991, the City of Vienna

(1.7 million inhabitants) joined Climate Alliance as one of the first

European cities. In 1999, Vienna adopted an ambitious climate

protection programme (KliP I) until 2009 which was continued by

the KliP II until 2020. As a result of the success of the two

climate protection programmes and a EU-funded project (IEE-

SEAP-PLUS), Vienna signed the Covenant of Mayors in October

2012 and submitted its SEAP in June 2013. The target is to

reduce greenhouse gas emissions per capita by 21% by 2020 in

relation to 1990 levels. With more than 240 implemented measures in the areas of district heating and

electricity generation, housing, business, city administration and mobility, 3.7 million tonnes of

CO2 eq. have been reduced by the end of 2011. More than €20 billion have been invested in climate

protection measures and more than 58,000 jobs have been secured since 1999. The remaining

reduction of 0.8 million tonnes of CO2 eq. per year until 2020 should be reached by 380 measures in the

fields of energy supply, energy use, mobility, procurement and waste management.

http://www.wien.gv.at/umwelt/klimaschutz/programm/ | http://bit.ly/1a3QDSD

Municipality of Laxenburg – Intelligent street lighting control systems

Laxenburg (2,700 inhabitants), a small municipality in Lower Austria,

signed the Covenant of Mayors in 2008. Laxenburg was also the first

Austrian municipality that submitted its SEAP to the Covenant of Mayors

Office (CoMO). One of the successful energy management actions in

place in Laxenburg was the replacement of 650 street lights by LEDs.

Nowadays, the street lighting system is completely digitized and every

single street light can be supervised and pilot-controlled at any time. This

allows reacting immediately in case of disturbances. Moreover light

intensity is adjustable according to the time of the day and the weather conditions. Through the

implementation of this new street lighting system, not only one third of electricity has been saved, but

also light quality and security for the citizens have been improved considerably. Total project costs

amounted to €2 million which were financed jointly by the local authority and by the Federal State of

Lower Austria (€100,000).

http://www.laxenburg.at

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Supporters in action

Climate Alliance Austria – Supporting local climate action Climate Alliance Austria (CAA, Klimabündnis Österreich) became an

official supporter of the Covenant of Mayors in 2011. With more than

900 member municipalities and nine regional Climate Alliance

offices located in each Federal State, Climate Alliance Austria

disposes of an Austrian-wide network of municipalities committed to

reduce CO2 emissions through the implementation of local measures. Until 2013, 16 CAA municipalities

joined the Covenant. As Covenant Supporter, CAA, has been:

informing about the Covenant of Mayors initiative and providing technical assistance to

signatories;

Organising Covenant-related workshops, conferences and meetings for mayors, municipal

executives and energy experts to stimulate know-how transfer and exchange of experiences on

Covenant topics;

Supporting Covenant Signatories via the internet-based Klima-Tool which helps local authorities

to elaborate their Baseline Emission Inventory (BEI) (starting from February 2014);

Highlighting successfully implemented sustainable energy measures in CAA’s best practice

database;

Participating in several Covenant-related European projects to ameliorate its own expertise.

www.klimabuendnis.at/com

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5. Useful resources

Data Sources

Data Sources

Final energy consumption

Statistik Austria,

Provides data on consumption of fuels, electricity and heat (households, companies/industry, transport) on national, regional and municipal level

Agrarmarkt Austria (agriculture)

Transportation

Statistik Austria

Provides data on road transport, stock of vehicles by type and transport mode on national, regional and municipal level

Local electricity and heat/cold production Energy suppliers and grid operators

GHG emissions factors Ministry of Environment, Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt)

GHG emission factor for the electricity mix

Ministry of Environment, Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt)

National energy balance Statistik Austria, International Energy Agency

Tools & Methods

Klima-Tool Internet-based tool oriented to local authorities for assisting them in the preparation of their Baseline

Emission Inventory. The tool is provided free of cost for Climate Alliance Austria member municipalities

and shall be available from February 2014.

http://www.komklima.at/

ECORegion Internet-based tool designed for local authorities to calculate their energy and CO2 inventories.

www.climatealliance.org (>> ECORegion)

European Energy Award Quality management and certification scheme for the preparation and

implementation of the SEAP. The Austrian scheme of the EEA is the e5-program.

www.european-energy-award.de/eea-home

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Projects supporting Covenant Signatories

NET-COM: NETworking the Covenant of Mayors The project aims at empowering local authorities (at both political and

administrative levels) to successfully implement their Covenant

engagements. The Covenant Club Austria was launched in April 2012 and

aims to foster networking and experience-sharing among Covenant

Signatories in Austria. The Club also formulates recommendations to national decision-makers for the

development of legislative and financial instruments supporting sustainable energy policies. The Club

members meet at least two times a year. In addition, regular exchanges take place via online discussion

forum. The Covenant Club Austria is coordinated by Climate Alliance Austria in the framework of the

IEE-funded NET-COM project.

http://www.networkingcovenantofmayors.eu/Austria.html

SEAP-PLUS: Adding to SEAP – more participants, more content across Europe The project aims at promoting the adhesion of cities, municipalities and regions

to the Covenant of Mayors, improving and accelerating the implementation of

SEAPs, supporting knowledge-transfer and facilitating cooperation between

project partners, local authorities and energy stakeholders and bringing energy

stakeholders into the Covenant of Mayors initiative.

http://www.seap-plus.eu/

Towards 100% RES rural communities The project aims at experimenting and developing a model of joint SEAPs and

implementation in rural territories, municipalities and towns in nine European

countries. The project will also lead to the implementation of two concrete

actions in each territory. Further objectives of the project are the better linkage between rural mayors

and the Covenant of Mayors as well as the definition and identification of “100% RES communities”.

http://www.100-res-communities.eu/

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Technical support Covenant Technical Helpdesk: technical.info@eumayors.eu

Energy Agencies: http://www.managenergy.net/countries/234 |

http://www.energyagency.at

Other: The Austrian Association of Cities and Towns: www.staedtebund.gv.at | Environment

Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt): www.umweltbundesamt.at/en/

FURTHER INFORMATION IN GERMAN

Covenant of Mayors website: www.konventderbuergermeister.eu

SEAP guidebook: www.konventderbuergermeister.eu/Bibliothek

Brochures & Publications: www.konventderbuergermeister.eu/Bibliothek

E-learning: http://www.konventderbuergermeister.eu/sign-in_de.html (Mein Konvent > E-learning)

Publication directed by the Covenant of Mayors Office.

It is managed by a consortium of local and regional authorities’ networks, led by Energy-Cities,

composed of CEMR, Climate Alliance, Eurocities and Fedarene.

Contributor: Georg Priesner (Climate Alliance Austria).

Published in December 2013, figures updated in November 2014.

The Covenant of Mayors Office is supported by the Intelligent Energy – Europe Programme. Neither the European Commission nor any person

acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use that may be made of the information contained in this publication or any error that may

remain in the texts, despite the care taken in preparing them.