Although the Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG) came into force on 28.07.2021, notifications for parts of the Act are still pending, which could again delay the implementation of the legislative package.
The long-awaited Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG) came into force on 28.07.2021. The comprehensive legislative package includes not only a completely new Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG), but also amendments to eight other national laws. The new law is the driving force behind the concrete goal of energy policy, which states that 100% of the electrical energy in Austria is to be provided by renewable energy sources by 2030. Although the focus of the energy target is on electrical energy, the legislative package also includes aspects in the field of renewable gases (REGATRACE reported).
However, the EAG has not yet been able to enter into force in full. Due to missing approval of the EU Commission regarding state aid assessment, there could be delays in the implementation of the law. Without notification by the EU Commission, the legislative package would have to be revised and then a two-thirds majority would have to be found again in the National Parliament. There are “very intensive discussions and almost daily exchanges” with the Commission, according to the responsible section head in the Climate Protection Ministry, Jürgen Schneider.
Parts which do not require notification by the EU Commission, also require further steps to be taken by the Ministry: Subsidy rates for investment subsidies are to be set, a tender for the settlement agency is ongoing.
The energy regulator E-Control is also preparing implementation steps. For example, changes are necessary regarding electricity and gas consumer disclosure, which, according to E-Control, will trigger adaptations of the corresponding regulations and should enter into force at the beginning of 2022. Furthermore, the promotion of renewable gases requires certificate systems in addition to Guarantees of Origin.
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