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The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, in collaboration with leading research partners, has presented one of the most comprehensive analyses to date of renewable energy potential in Austria. The study, commissioned by the Climate and Energy Fund, provides a methodologically consistent and spatially high-resolution assessment down to the municipal level, thereby representing a key scientific foundation for strategic decisions in energy policy, infrastructure planning and the economy.
Systemic perspective as the study’s key added value
“With this study, we have demonstrated for the first time the concrete potential of renewable energies in Austria – using a uniform methodology and in great detail down to the regional level,” says Gustav Resch, project manager and thematic coordinator at AIT. “What matters here is not just what is technically possible. It is also crucial to consider the conditions under which these energies can actually be utilised – for example, in terms of infrastructure, the legal framework and public acceptance.”
AIT expertise in energy system analysis and infrastructure integration
AIT contributed in particular its expertise in the areas of energy system modelling, infrastructure planning and integrated scenario analysis. The study takes into account interactions between the electricity, heating and energy sectors, as well as different development pathways (“Low”, “Medium”, “High”), which reflect the political and economic framework conditions.
“The results clearly show that an almost complete supply of renewable energy by 2040 is technically feasible – provided that the expansion is coordinated and systemically integrated,” said Resch. “In particular, the integration of buildings, energy infrastructure and regional resources is a key success factor.”
Digital basis for decision-making in policy and practice
A key outcome of the study is the publicly accessible Web GIS platform (https://gtif-austria.info/), which was co-developed by AIT. It enables a detailed, spatially resolved visualisation of potential, typically down to the local authority level, thereby supporting evidence-based decisions in spatial planning, energy supply and investment strategies.
Research as an enabler of transformation
The study highlights the role of applied research as a bridge between technological innovation and societal implementation. AIT sees this as a clear mandate: to provide scientifically sound decision-making frameworks and to actively support transformation processes.
Presentation of the results: https://gtif-austria.info/
About the study: https://www.ait.ac.at/themen/energieszenarien-und-energiesystemplanung/projekte/erneuerbare-energiepotenziale-in-oesterreich-2030-2040
The study “Renewable Energy Potentials in Austria for 2030 and 2040” was carried out under the leadership of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology in collaboration with the Federal Environment Agency, TU Wien, AEE INTEC and Energiewerkstatt on behalf of the Climate and Energy Fund. The aim was to create a sound basis for decision-making in energy policy, spatial planning and investment. It analyses seven technology sectors as well as future energy demand and provides a comprehensive assessment of technical and feasible potential. Furthermore, the results have been compiled on a publicly accessible web GIS platform, which enables a transparent presentation of the potential down to the local authority level and thus provides a solid basis for further analysis. Web link: https://gtif-austria.info/