Austrians’ Shifting Attitudes Toward Renewable Energy: A Deep Dive into the Latest Survey
Austria’s journey toward renewable energy has hit a snag, according to a recent survey conducted by Wien Energie,the Vienna University of Economics and Business,and Deloitte. The study, which has been tracking public sentiment since 2015, reveals a significant decline in approval for renewable energy technologies, notably wind turbines, which now stand at just 60%—a stark contrast to the 69% recorded during the energy crisis of 2022.
The Decline in Acceptance
The survey, which polled around 1,000 respondents, highlights a consistent trend: wind turbines receive 10 to 20 percentage points less approval than photovoltaic (PV) systems. In 2024, acceptance for solar systems dropped to 81%, down from a record high of 89% in 2022. nina Hampl, the study’s author from WU, attributes this disparity to the “greater intervention in the landscape” caused by wind turbines. large ground-mounted PV systems,with an approval rate of 63%,face similar challenges.
Michael Strebl, CEO of Wien Energie, points to high inflation as a key factor overshadowing the energy transition. “The topic of energy transition has been pushed to the background,” he explained during a press conference.
The Role of Wind and Solar in the Energy Transition
Despite the decline in public approval, wind turbines remain crucial for Austria’s energy transition. Unlike PV systems, they can generate green electricity at night and during winter months. This has led power producers to increasingly invest in hybrid parks that combine wind and solar power.
Costs Trump Climate Protection
The survey also reveals a shift in priorities among Austrians. While energy-saving behaviors have declined as 2022, the motivation behind such actions has changed. “The reason for saving energy is less about climate protection and more about high costs,” the report states. Even those who have installed PV systems on their roofs did so primarily to cut costs, with many planning to expand their systems to include battery storage.
Heating and Transportation Trends
The adoption of air heat pumps has tripled since 2017, rising from 3% to 9% of households. Meanwhile, oil heating systems have declined from 11% to 7%, while wood and gas heating remain steady at 25%.
In contrast, interest in electric vehicles continues to wane. From a peak of 54% in 2018, only 36% of respondents expressed interest in buying an electric car in 2024. High acquisition costs,shorter ranges,and charging concerns were cited as the primary deterrents. Additionally, more than two-thirds of those surveyed expressed environmental concerns about electric cars.
Climate Change: A Pressing Concern
Despite the shifting priorities, climate change remains a top concern for Austrians. Alongside inflation and migration, it is indeed seen as one of the most pressing issues of the next few decades. While 59% of respondents believe the effects of climate change are already noticeable in Austria,a small but notable 3% believe it will “never” be noticeable.
Key Insights at a glance
| Category | 2022 Approval | 2024 Approval | Trend |
|—————————-|——————-|——————-|——————————-|
| Solar Systems | 89% | 81% | Decline |
| Wind Turbines | 69% | 60% | Decline |
| Air Heat pumps | 3% (2017) | 9% | Significant Increase |
| Electric Vehicle Interest | 54% (2018) | 36% | Steady Decline |
Looking Ahead
As Austria navigates the complexities of its energy transition, the survey underscores the need for balancing public acceptance with technological innovation. While costs remain a driving factor, the long-term success of renewable energy initiatives will depend on addressing public concerns and fostering a deeper understanding of their environmental benefits.
For more insights into Austria’s renewable energy landscape,explore the full survey findings here.极速体验OÖnachrichten电子报，尽享数字阅读新潮流
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