Renewables power 100% of Austria's largest state
Lower Austria, home to 1.65 million people, is getting almost two-thirds of its power from hydroelectric sources, with wind offering the state 26% of its energy needs and biomass contributing 9%.
The announcement comes ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference later this month, with a number of world leaders hoping to achieve a universal agreement on global climate for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations.
Erwin Proell, premier of Lower Austria, emphasises the heavy investments the state has made to boost energy efficiency and to expand renewables.
“Since 2002 we have invested €2.8 billion (£2bn) in eco-electricity, from solar parks to renewing hydroelectric stations on the Danube,” Mr Proell told a news conference.
The state has created 38,000 jobs in the renewable sector and aims to increase the number of green employment opportunities to 50,000 by 2030.
Austria, which voted against nuclear in a 1978 referendum, produces three-quarters of its energy from renewables, with the remaining 25% of the country’s power coming from fossil fuels.
Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP), Lower Austrian MP, praised Austria’s stance against nuclear and sees Lower Austria’s announcement as a marker for the rest of the Continent.
"In Paris, only five percent of the city's electricity needs are met by renewables. This is a clear and credible sign against nuclear power in Europe. We are a model for Europe,” he commented.
