VIENNA: Austria has reclaimed its status as an electricity-exporting country for the first time since 2009, thanks to a major boost in renewable energy. Last year, the country exported 4,747 gigawatt-hours of electricity, marking a significant shift towards energy independence.
Austrian Power Grid (APG), the national transmission system operator, credited this milestone to the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources such as solar, hydropower, and wind energy. Austria managed to export electricity on 243 days in 2024, a strong indicator of its growing clean energy capacity.
Gerhard Christiner, CEO of APG, acknowledged the impact of this renewable energy surge, stating, “The growing proximity to the upper limits of grid capacity necessitated a reduction in renewable energy production on multiple days last year.” This highlights the challenge of balancing supply and infrastructure capabilities.
Official data showed that Austria’s renewable electricity generation increased by 14.4% in 2024, bringing the country’s total clean energy production to 57,713 gigawatt-hours. This growth aligns with Austria’s long-term sustainability goals and commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The achievement underscores Austria’s progress towards a greener energy future while also presenting new challenges in grid management. With continued investment in renewable infrastructure and energy storage solutions, Austria is poised to strengthen its position as a key player in Europe’s clean energy sector.
