Hattmannsdorfer Aims to Accelerate Renewable Energy Production

The Austrian Minister of Economic Affairs, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, has outlined plans to expedite the approval processes for facilities dedicated to renewable energy production in collaboration with the federal states. This initiative is based on the EU's Net Zero Industry Act, which stipulates a maximum processing time of 18 months for such projects.

During a conference held in Seefeld, Tyrol, Hattmannsdorfer emphasized the importance of this legislative framework as a means to provide businesses with a clearer perspective. He noted the necessity for Austria to enhance its speed in developing renewable energy sources, particularly as competition from Asia intensifies. The focus now shifts to implementing this regulation effectively within Austria.

The Net Zero Industry Act, adopted by the European Parliament last year, aims to increase the production of technologies that contribute to carbon neutrality within the EU. This includes solar panels, wind turbines, and heat pumps. Hattmannsdorfer plans to work closely with the federal states to ensure the successful enactment of these initiatives. A consensus was reached among the regional economic councils to implement the Net Zero Industry Act, which will also establish a point of contact for businesses in each state.

Hattmannsdorfer pointed out that much of the approval process lies within the jurisdiction of the federal states, citing environmental impact assessments as a key example. He criticized the previous administration for a lack of communication between the federal and state levels, which he argued contributed to the failure to enact any energy legislation in the past five years.

The conference also addressed concerns regarding what was termed 'obstruction tourism' by environmental organizations. Mario Gerber, the economic councilor from Tyrol, expressed satisfaction with the decisions made at the conference, which included a proposal from Carinthia. This proposal urges the federal government to limit the geographical scope of environmental organizations and to enforce stricter admission criteria. The rationale behind this request stems from observed instances where organizations intervene in infrastructure projects without a direct interest or impact.

Furthermore, the regional councils collectively agreed to advance the deregulation process. Gerber stated that there is a unified commitment from all states to accelerate efforts, emphasizing the need for fewer barriers, increased speed, and genuine relief for businesses.

In addressing the issue of potential overregulation, the councils expressed opposition to additional national requirements that exceed EU regulations, a practice referred to as 'gold plating.' Gerber highlighted that imposing extra national obligations could disadvantage Austrian companies by placing them under double burdens when complying with both EU and national regulations.