“Energy transition for all” How much Energy for a net zero economy?

In addition to the climate crisis, the current global political situation brings the issue of sovereign and sustainable energy supply in Austria and the European Union even more into focus. Although Austria is already well positioned in the field of renewable electricity supply through hydropower, a large part of primary energy (for heating, mobility & industry) is still obtained from fossil sources.

For the desired rapid decarbonisation and possible energy sovereignty, we still must overcome some major hurdles. For example, the expansion target for an additional 27 TWh of electricity in the Renewable Energy Exchange Act (EAG) is already a big step, but it does not yet cover all areas and by no means covers (consciously) the entire primary energy demand. In particular decarbonization of energy intensive industries is not yet taken into account.

In fact it is still in discussion to what extent electricity and green gases in particular hydrogen will be needed to decarbonize the industry sector, which represents 34% of greenhouse gases in Austria. Together with the Vienna University of Technology and representatives from companies, politics and society, we will take a look at:

• How much energy do we need for complete decarbonisation? (sectors: industry, mobility, housing, etc.)
•  What will be the share of electricity or alternatives? Where will this energy come from? Will it be produced in Austria? How much might be produced in international partnerships - in particular as concerns green hydrogen.
• What are the international framework conditions?

For more information please contact Martin Hoffmann (martin.hoffmann@clubofrome.at).