The “Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz (EAG)” is a comprehensive federal law designed to promote the expansion of renewable energy sources in Austria. This legislation outlines the regulatory framework for increasing the generation of electricity, gas, and hydrogen from renewable resources, aiming to meet Austria’s climate goals and align with European Union directives.
The EAG emphasises key themes such as sustainability, efficiency, and market integration. It sets ambitious targets for the generation of renewable energy, with the objective of covering Austria’s entire electricity consumption with renewables by 2030. The law provides detailed guidelines for the allocation of subsidies, including market premiums and investment grants, to support the development and modernization of renewable energy infrastructure.
Significant provisions of the EAG include the establishment of renewable energy communities, the promotion of green hydrogen, and the creation of an integrated national energy infrastructure plan. The law mandates strict sustainability criteria for biofuels and biogas, ensuring that renewable energy production also adheres to ecological and social standards.
The impact on heritage is multifaceted. The EAG promotes the use of renewable energy in ways that preserve and enhance the cultural landscape. By encouraging the integration of renewable technologies within historic and rural settings, the law supports the maintenance of traditional practices while fostering innovation. This approach helps to ensure that heritage sites can benefit from sustainable energy solutions, thereby preserving their historical value and reducing environmental impact.
In addition, the EAG in Annex 1 (Anlage 1) establishes that in carrying out environmental impact assessments on cultural heritage, special attention has to be given to the sensitivity and importance of the affected area.
Overall, the EAG is a pivotal document in Austria’s transition to a sustainable energy future, balancing the need for environmental conservation with economic and technological advancement.
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