Austrian Farmers' Union Supports Continuation of Investment Incentive System for Wood Energy

The Austrian Farmers' Union has expressed strong support for the recently announced renovation initiative that includes the replacement of heating systems and energy-efficient renovations. This program is seen as a crucial component in advancing the transition to renewable heating solutions, despite significant budgetary constraints faced by the federal government.

The initiative, which will secure investment incentives for wood energy, was credited to the efforts of the Minister of Agriculture, who successfully navigated complex negotiations to ensure its continuation. This achievement is expected to provide much-needed planning security for farmers, consumers, and the heating technology and installation sectors.

The Farmers' Union highlighted the importance of this investment incentive system in facilitating a significant push towards renewable heating solutions. The integration of heating system replacements and renovation bonuses is anticipated to stimulate advancements in the sector.

Furthermore, the Farmers' Union emphasized that the newly established annual budget of EUR360 million for the initiative until 2030 guarantees that funding will not be depleted in a matter of months, thus providing stability and ensuring value creation within local economies. In light of the current economic challenges, having a reliable investment framework is seen as crucial for making informed decisions.

The renovation initiative, which allocates a total of EUR1.8 billion from 2026 to 2030, is viewed as a foundational element that needs to be reinforced in the coming years. This approach aims to enhance stability, secure economic benefits in local regions, and contribute significantly to environmental and climate protection efforts.