Austria Reclaims Electricity Exporter Status After 15 Years, Driven by Renewable Energy Surge and Grid Expansion

Representational image. Credit: Canva

Austria has regained its position as an electricity-exporting nation for the first time in 15 years, with electricity exports reaching 4,747 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2024. The milestone was driven by the country’s accelerated transition to clean energy sources.

According to Austrian Power Grid (APG), the national transmission system operator, Austria exported electricity on 243 days last year, a result of significant expansions in renewable energy infrastructure, including photovoltaic, hydropower, and wind energy.

Gerhard Christiner, CEO of APG, emphasized the impact of increasing renewable electricity generation. “The growing proximity to the upper limits of grid capacity necessitated a reduction in renewable energy production on multiple days last year,” he stated.

Official data revealed a 14.4% rise in Austria’s total electricity generation from renewable sources in 2024, bringing the country’s total clean energy production to 57,713 GWh. The shift solidifies Austria’s commitment to sustainable energy and its long-term goal of energy independence.