The Government Programme for the period 2020-2024 by the Greens and the Austrian People's Party follows eight aims, one of them being tackling the climate crisis and adhering to the goals of the Paris Agreement.
It sets the goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2040. Notably, nuclear power is not seen as an alternative, but instead focus is given to renewable energies. A Renewable Energy Expansion Act will provide the framework for the energy transition, and the Energy Efficiency Act further helps to reduce energy consumption. Ultimately, all sectors shall contribute to the energy transition. The Programme also incorporates social justice elements which must be considered in the transition to climate neutrality. The Programme also calls on Austria to take a leading role on the EU level.
Specifically, the Programme sets the following objectives:
It sets the goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2040. Notably, nuclear power is not seen as an alternative, but instead focus is given to renewable energies. A Renewable Energy Expansion Act will provide the framework for the energy transition, and the Energy Efficiency Act further helps to reduce energy consumption. Ultimately, all sectors shall contribute to the energy transition. The Programme also incorporates social justice elements which must be considered in the transition to climate neutrality. The Programme also calls on Austria to take a leading role on the EU level.
Specifically, the Programme sets the following objectives:
- Climate neutrality by 2040;
- 100% of the electricity from renewable energies by 2030;
- New climate protection law;
- Binding and independent climate check for existing climate policies and laws;
- Government takes responsibility for climate protection - climate cabinet;
- Climate neutral administration;
- Sustainable economy;
- Renovations within buildings sector;
- Fossil fuel phaseout from 2020;
- No more oil and coal heating after 2035;
- No more gas boilers ' new connections in new buildings from 2025; and
- Heating strategy for complete decarbonisation of the heating market.
- Passing a Renewable Energy Expansion Act and revising the Energy Efficiency Act;
- 1 million roofs photovoltaic programme;
- Cross-cutting Circular Economy Strategy for the industrial sector;
- Austria as an EU climate leader and advocate for CO2 tariffs at EU level and adjustment of EU climate targets to fulfil goals of the Paris Agreement;
- Anti-nculear path and promotion of coal phase-out;
- Advancing technology, digitalisation and innovation;
- Leader in hydrogen; and
- Ensuring supply and grid security.
