Study reveals enormous renewable energy potential through 2040
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In collaboration with the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) and other partners (Environment Agency Austria, TU Wien, AEE INTEC), Energiewerkstatt has conducted a study on renewable energy potential in Austria through 2030 and 2040. Drawing on its expertise, Energiewerkstatt contributed in-depth analyses of wind energy potential: With consistent expansion, an increase up to an annual production of 45 TWh could be achieved.
There is a clear east-west disparity in wind power: While existing turbines are concentrated in the east, there are currently no wind turbines in Salzburg, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg. Despite topographical challenges, targeted expansion in the west would also be beneficial to balance regional fluctuations and relieve pressure on the grid infrastructure.
Overall, the study paints an impressive picture: Photovoltaics (up to 50 TWh), hydropower (an additional 10 TWh), as well as geothermal energy, air-source heat and waste heat also offer significant expansion opportunities. By way of comparison: In 2025, electricity consumption in Austria amounted to 66.8 TWh and 80.9 TWh for gas (source: E-Control). This makes it clear: Fossil fuels can be replaced by a sustainable energy transition – it doesn’t fail due to implementation and infrastructure issues.
Graphic: Energiewerkstatt
Source 2: https://gtif-austria.info/