4biomass Country Study Austria 2009

WP 4.2.
Austria
Country Study on Political Framework

and Availability of Biomass
Published by:
Austrian Energy Agency
Authors:
Kerstin Schilcher
Johannes Schmidl
November 2009
4Biomass - Fostering the Sustainable Usage of Renewable Energy Sources in Central Europe
Putting Biomass into Action!
www.4biomass.eu
Table of contents
1 Country Indicators Austria ............................................................................. 1
1.1
Primary Energy Demand in Austria ..........................................................2
1.2
Renewable Energy Sources in Austria ....................................................2
2 Policy Assessment in the Partner Countries ............................................ 3

2.1
National Bioenergy Policy for Heating/Cooling, Electricity

and Transport....................................................................................................3
2.2
Renewables Besides Bioenergy .................................................................3
2.2.1 (Small scale) Hydroelectric power ...................................................................3

2.2.2 Wind .......................................................................................................................3
2.2.3 Solar energy .........................................................................................................3
2.3
Bio-energy ..........................................................................................................3
2.3.1 Biogas, Biofuels....................................................................................................4

2.3.2 Heat from bioenergy (low- and high temperature) .....................................5
2.3.3 District Heat and Electricity from Biomass ....................................................5
2.4
Nuclear energy .................................................................................................6
2.5
Competence-Centres for Biomass: ...........................................................7
2.6
National bioenergy strategies, targets and action plans ................8
2.7
Support schemes for the promotion of the use of energy

from biomass...................................................................................................10
2.7.1 Financial mechanisms for renewables ..........................................................10

2.7.2.1
The Kyoto Target and the Austrian Climate Strategy ..........................11
2.7.2.2
Renewable energy targets based on EU-Directives and the

programme of the Austrian Federal Government .................................12
2.7.3.1
General information about Austrian legislation .....................................13
2.7.3.2
Support instruments on a national level .................................................13
2.7.3.3
Support instruments on a regional level .................................................17
2.7.3.4
Support instruments on a local level .......................................................19
2.7.3.5
Others support instruments .......................................................................20
2.7.3.6
Soft support measures................................................................................21
2.7.3.7
Spatial planning measures .........................................................................23
2.7.3.8
Policy coherence ...........................................................................................23
3 Sustainability criteria...................................................................................... 24
4 Certification ........................................................................................................ 25
5 Assessment of available biomass resources.......................................... 26
5.1
Heating/cooling, electricity and transport .........................................26
6 Conflicts on utilization of biomass............................................................. 29

7 Land use change ............................................................................................... 30
8 Cross country cooperation agreements ................................................... 31
9 List of figures ..................................................................................................... 32
10 List of tables ....................................................................................................... 33
11 Bibliography ....................................................................................................... 34
1 Country Indicators Austria
Size of country
Total land area: 83,871 km2 (land: 82,445 km2, water:

1,426 km2)
Utilised agricultural area: 3,268,000 ha, of which arable
land: 1,377,000 ha (16.4 %)
Forest area (utilised): 3,960,000 ha (3,371,000 ha) 47.2 %
(40.2 %)
Nature protection area: 8 different categories (landscape
protection, European protected areas, natural parks,
nature
conservation
areas,
protected
landscape
elements, national parks, nature landscape conservation
areas, others), together 27,468 km2 (32.8 %)
Population
indicators
Inhabitants: 8,210,281 (July 2009 est.) (total)

Inhabitants per km2: 97.9
Economic
indicators
GDP: bn 281.87 (2008)

GDP per capita: 33.810 (2008)
Gross inland consumption: 1,421 PJ (2007), of which 1,299

PJ for energetic uses (the remaining for non-energyuses)
Total inland production of primary energy: 458.9 PJ
thereof renewable energy: 350.4 PJ or 76 % of energetic
uses (excl. imports, incl. stock-exchanges)
Primary production of renewable energy: 358.9 PJ or 27.7
% of energetic uses
(thereof biomass and waste: 213.1 PJ or 59.3%)
Final energy consumption: 1,082.6 PJ
RES (biomass) shares of final energy consumption: 152.9
PJ or 15.8%
Electricity from RES: 60,4 % (2007); (RES-E Target 2010:
78,1 %)
Energy imports: 1,246 PJ (268 PJ exports, 15.9 PJ stock)
CO2 emissions per capita: 8,04 tCO2 (2007)
Theoretical potential: 7.54 Mio. ha

Technical potential: 368.3 PJ/a
Energy indicators
Availability of
biomass
ressources
Source:CIA The Word Factbook, Federal Austrian Ministry of Environment, ROK,

Statistics Austria
www.4biomass.eu
1.1 Primary Energy Demand in Austria

electric energy; 23.8
Renewables; 358.9
Oil; 502.5
Coal, non energy use;

34.0
Coal; 128.7
Gas, non energy use;
10.1
Gas; 285.0
Oil, non energy use;

78.0
Figure 1: Primary Energy Demand in Austria in PJ, as of 2007

Source: Statistics Austria
1.2 Renewable Energy Sources in Austria

Gross-consumption of renewables in Austria 2007 (2008) in PJ: total ca. 359 PJ
Solar thermal; 4,8

Heat Pump; 4,4
PV; 0,1
Wind; 7,6
Biogenous fuels; 118,3
Hydropower; 129,6
Logwood; 64,5
Combustible waste; 30,3
Figure 2: Renewable energy sources in Austria gross consumption in 2007 (2008 for
solar thermal, PV heat pumps, wind); total 358.9 PJ;
Source: Statistics Austria
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2 Policy Assessment in the Partner Countries

2.1 National Bioenergy Policy for Heating/Cooling, Electricity
and Transport
Objectives of the BAP are to increase the share of renewables from 23% in 2004 to 45%
in 2020 (currently, this goal has been adjusted to 34%, according to 2009/28/EC, a
related energy strategy is under preparation). Objectives of national policy are security of
supply, increase of renewable energies to reduce dependence from fossil fuels-imports
and foreign supply, to minimize GHG emissions, and providing employment opportunities
and added value in rural regions.
2.2 Renewables Besides Bioenergy

2.2.1 (Small scale) Hydroelectric power
In 2007, about 10.0 % of Austrias energy needs resp. 58% of its electricity demand,
which accounts for 129.6 PJ (36 TWh), were produced by hydroelectric power plants.
Large scale plants (above 10 MW) produced about 30.5 TWh electric energy annually,
small scale plants (below 10 MW), produced an additional 5.5 TWh. The Austrian EcoElectricity Act of 2002 has set strong incentives for the refurbishment of old small hydro
power plants and the construction of new ones.
2.2.2 Wind
The electricity produced annually from wind, based on installed capacity as of 2009, will
amount to about 2.1 TWh or some 2.9 % of Austrian gross electricity consumption.
2.2.3 Solar energy
Thermal energy: At the end of 2008, 4 million m2 collectors were installed in Austria,
producing some 4.8 PJ of useful heat energy per year. Electrical energy: Some 32 MW of
solar electricity were installed in Austria at the end of 2008, 4 MW of it in island mode,
the remainder connected to the grid. The production amounted to about 29 GWh of
electricity.
2.3 Bio-energy
Bio-energy accounts for some 213.1 PJ of annual production, which is 16.4 % of primary
energy demand (if non-energy uses are disregarded). Logwood still dominates. The
highest growth rates can be seen for pellets.
There is a common consensus regarding an increased use of bioenergy in the future.
There is a working-group installed, which shall develop a strategy to reach 34% of
renewable energy by 2020; results gained by this group will be published in 2010.
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Table 1: Sources of bioenergy, as used in Austria in 2007; in PJ. (Sources: AEA, Austrian Biomass
Association, Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersterreich, Statistik Austria, Propellets Austria)
Source
PJ/year
(2007)
Logwood
Waste wood from Industry
biogenous sources, woodchips
64.4
and
other
63,2
Wood pellets, wood- and bark-briquettes
8.6
Straw
2.0
Biodiesel, ethanol
14.8
Bio-, sewage-, landfill gas
5.0
Waste lyes from paper- and pulp industry
25.0
Combustible waste
30.3
Total
213.1
2.3.1 Biogas, Biofuels

In 2008, 340 biogas plants were in operation throughout the country with a total capacity
of 91.4 MW, producing about 503 GWh of electricity in addition to heat.
Total traffic-fuel demand in Austria amounts to some 9 Mio. tons. At the end of 2008, the
production-capacity of biodiesel plants was about 578,000 tons, which is enough to meet
the demand of 5.75% of biodiesel in traffic fuels according to EU-Directive 2003/30/EG.
The production-capacity of bioethanol amounts to 240,000 tons per year in one plant
alone, which is situated at Pischelsdorf, Lower Austria.
Figure
3:
Production
sites
for
Source: Austrian Biomass Association, 2009
biodiesel
and
ethanol
in
Austria,
www.4biomass.eu
2008
2.3.2 Heat from bioenergy (low- and high temperature)

The low-temperature heat market has traditionally been, and remains by far the most
important market for biomass in Austria. Small scale heating systems are fuelled by
logwood, briquettes, woodchips or pellets, district heating systems are fuelled by
woodchips from forestry, from wood-processing industry, and by bark.
The most popular domestic heating systems are tiled stoves, approximately 450,000 are
in operation throughout the country : 100,000 are used as main heating system, the rest
as support for the central heating system. Biomass heating is especially well developed in
rural areas where firewood has been the main source of energy for heating for centuries.
While the share of coal-heated households is disappearing fast and the number of oiland gas-heated households remains stagnant at high levels, about 20% of Austrian
households are heated by biomass. As shown in Table 2, their number increased in the
last years. The increase is mainly due to automatic systems such as pellet heating
systems.
There are more than 60 enterprises working in the production and the installation of
biomass systems.
Table 2: Heating of households in Austria by used heating system and fuel

2004
Wood, Pellets, Woodchips, woodbriquettes
coal, coke
oil
Electricity
nat. gas
solar, heating pump
District Heat
Total
590.119
63.934
876.304
254.550
955.098
26.830
662.883
3.429.719
2007 % in
2007
740.245
20,73
37.137
822.376
249.248
915.933
55.706
750.244
3.570.88
9
1,04
23,03
6,98
25,65
1,56
21,01
100,00
High-temperature- and process heat is being used in wood-processing industry and in

pulp- and paper industry for industrial purposes.
2.3.3 District Heat and Electricity from Biomass
There are about 1,100 biomass district heating plants in operation in Austria with an
installed power of about 1,300 MW in 2008. They convert about 10 PJ of biomass (mostly
forest based, a few are fuelled by straw) to heat for heating and for the provision of hot
water.
Their power ranges from very small plants (50 kW to 200 kW) for the supply of a group
of houses or single big buildings to medium scale plants (200 kW to 2 MW) for the supply
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of villages, parts of small towns, industrial- and big buildings to big plants in the range of
2 to 20 MW for the supply of towns and cities, or for providing process heat for the wood
processing industry.
Figure 4: Location of biomass-CHPs in Austria (red circles; as of 2007; green dots= biomass
district heating plants).
Some of the big plants are additionally equipped with a CHP (combined heat and power
supply system) which produces electricity. Technically, the ORC process is applied for
medium scale plants, big plants usually have a steam process (turbine or engine).
Financially, CHP is feasible when the electricity is used in industrial processes to
substitute for purchased electricity, or when it is supported by special feed-in-tariffs or
other incentives, as is the case in Austria and Germany, for example.
Mid 2008, 519,6 MWel based on biomass were connected to the Austrian grid, of that
91.4 from biogas, 26.2 from liquid biofuels, the remaining 402 MW from solid biomass.
Electricity-production amounted to 1.9 TWh from solid biomass (incl. waste), 503 GWh
from biogases, 36 GWh from liquid biofuels. Additional to that, the paper and pulpindustry produced about 25 PJ of heat and electricity, mainly for their production
processes.
Thanks to a high share of hydropower, 71.5% of Austrian production of electricity were
based on renewables, the rest on fossil fuels.
2.4 Nuclear energy

Austria does not operate nuclear power plants. A ready-to-run plant in Zwentendorf did
not start operation due to the result of a referendum in 1978 (50.5 % against operation).
In the aftermath of the referendum, a law was adopted by the Austrian Parliament which
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practically stopped the construction and operation of nuclear power plants based on
nuclear fission for the future.
There is a general agreement among the Austrian society that the country should not
operate nuclear power plants and, on the contrary, should support the non-fossil
alternatives to nuclear power, which are practically energy saving and renewable energy
sources. This opposition to nuclear power since 1978 has been a strong argument for the
support of renewable energy sources.
2.5 Competence-Centres for Biomass:

There are many competence-centers for bioenergy in Austria, ranging from researchinstitutes both at University level extra-faculty, lobbying institutes, competence centers
for practical application, the Agricultural chambers of the nine federated states to public
relations-centers aiming at awareness raising for the society at large. There is no need
for the establishment of further competence-centers in Austria.
A lot of plumbers received special training-courses, organized and carried out by the
Austrian Biomass Association, which provided them the competence (expertise) to install
biomass heating systems properly.
Besides that, many companies and workshops produce heating systems both small- and
big scale, others offer planning services for district heating systems and others. In the
following the most important competence-centers are presented:
Ministries:
o
Federal Minstry of Agriculture and Forestry, Environment and Water

Management www.lebensministerium.at
Federal
Ministry
www.bmvit.gv.at
Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth, www.bmwfj.gv.at
Transport,
Innovation
and
Technology,
Raw material, resources

o
for
"sterreichische Bundesforste AG-Austrian Federal Forest AG": biggest

forest-owner in the country www.bundesforste.at
Universities, Research Institutes

o
University
of
www.boku.ac.at
Natural
Resources
Technical Universities of Vienna: Institute of Chemical engineering

(Fluidized Bed gasification of biomass) http://www.vt.tuwien.ac.at/
Graz University of Technology: Institute of Chemical engineering,

http://portal.tugraz.at/portal/page/portal/TU_Graz
"Joaneum Research, Institute for Energy Research": (Stirling-engine,

combustion-research,): www.joanneum.at
BLT Josephinum: testing-site

http://blt.josephinum.at/ .
for
and
small
Applied
scale
Life
Sciences
heating
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systems:
Bioenergy 2020+: this is a Merger of RENET and Austrian Bioenergy

Centre. It will bundle the key research activities of bioenergy in Austria,
the above mentioned institutions will be partners; it started in Feb. 2009, a
website will follow soon. Key areas of research: Combustion (Small-,
medium and industrial scale), Gasification (Thermal and biological; Power,
heat and transport fuel), Modeling & Simulation. Total staff appr. 60,
Turnover: ~6 Mio /a.
Applied research is furthermore being carried out at the sites of 10 to 20

manufacturers of automatic heating systems, at the Austrian Tile Stove
Association Research Center of the Austrian Stove Fitters:
http://www.kachelofenverband.at.
Advice, technical support

o
Agrar Plus: advice and technical support for farmers and operators of
district heating plants http://www.agrarplus.at (focused on lower Austria)
Lobbying, interest organizations

o
Austrian Biomass Association: Lobbying, information work, training

courses for installers: www.biomasseverband.at
Agricultural chambers in Austria: 9 regional chambers for the 9 Federal

States, one central chamber: policy recommendations, lobbying, support
for farmers: http://www.agrarnet.info/
Pro-pellets: Lobbying and information-work for the introduction of pellets

in the market. www.propellets.at
2.6 National bioenergy strategies, targets and action plans

A national Austrian biomass strategy is in preparation; it will be part of a new national
energy strategy and is supposed to be issued in early 2010. This strategy will be
elaborated according to 2009/28/EC. A National Biomass Action Plan has been developed
as suggested by the EU Commission in 2005, it is in force, however, it will be revised and
be part of the new energy strategy.
There is a Austrian Strategy for Sustainable Development in place, which was issued in
2002: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Environment and water Management
(2002): Austrian Strategy for Sustainable Development. In 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009,
indicator-reports were issued which explain how different indicators meet the goals of the
strategy. The Strategy specifies 52 Indicators in four action fields, and includes 20 key
objectives with quantified time-bound goals:
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Figure 5: Source: www.nachhaltigkeit.at
In 1994 Austria ratified the convention on biological diversity, which became legally
binding (BGBL. 213/1995). Legal responsibility concerning biological diversity is divided
between the state and the nine Federal States. A commission, headed by the Federal
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Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Environment and water Management is acting on the
implementation of the act.
Concerning sustainability-criteria, the most important instrument is the Austrian Forest
Law, where sustainability is legally stipulated: forests have to remain forests, limit to
harvested amount is fixed etc.
Furthermore, a lot of papers have been produced concerning sustainability, however,
their status is mainly recommending, not binding as a law. Sustainability-criteria have to
be taken into consideration when new laws are being implemented by all the social
actors in their decision-making.
2.7 Support schemes for the promotion of the use of energy

from biomass
2.7.1 Financial mechanisms for renewables
The nine Federal (or Federated) States (Lnder) of Austria have different support
schemes for construction of newly built houses and refurbishment of old ones (supportscheme of the residential building sector). All of the schemes support the use of
renewable energy sources like solar thermal energy and bioenergy in one or the other
way .
The Ministry of the Environment supports measures in companies that increase energy
efficiency or make use of renewable energy resources. A lot of different systems,
applicable for a lot of different types of companies, can be applied. They are
implemented by Kommunalkredit AG, see http://www.kommunalkredit.at/ .
The Eco-Electricity Act encourages production via feed-in tariffs and via investment
subsidies; a new scheme was being prepared in 2009 and should become law by
September 2009, however, its implementation was stopped by the EU due to an unclear
role of indirect support for industry.
Austrias energy policy is simultaneously conducted at several, the federal and the
regional level. The federal Constitution allocates responsibilities either to the federal level
or to the regional level. Furthermore energy policy is formulated and implemented in
close co-operation with the social partner organisations, which represent important
groups of society (employers, employees, agriculture), and in dialogue with nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and the public at large.
The most important Austrian energy policy making institutions at the federal level are:
Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour: the main government institution
responsible for energy matters at the federal level
Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management:
responsible for environmental protection, including climate change and emissions
from combustion.
Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology: responsible for
transport policy and energy R&D
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10
Federal Ministry of Finance: responsible of setting energy taxes

The above mentioned ministries and the federal states have to co-operate in the one or
the other way when new laws are prepared and passed.
At the regional level, the governments of the nine federal states also have responsibility
for policy making, setting subsidy levels, and implementing regulatory control of energy
companies.
At a local level, municipalities or cities also have some possibilities for implementing
energy measures. Examples are land-use planning activities, measures concerning
energy supply, mobility and internal organisation. Further, cities have a big responsibility
regarding awareness raising. They can for example start information campaigns, organise
special energy events or publish brochures to inform their inhabitants.
2.7.2 Renewable energy targets

2.7.2.1
The Kyoto Target and the Austrian Climate Strategy
The main environmental challenge facing Austria is the achievement of its Kyoto
commitment. Austria has to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 13 % until the
period of 2008-2012 compared to 1990. The Austrian Climate Strategy, published by the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, includes a long
list of cost-efficient climate protection measures necessary for reaching the Kyoto target.
These measures include:
Regulatory measures
Fiscal measures
Subsidization and public investments
Flexible mechanism such as Joint Implementation projects, Clean Development
measures and EU emissions trading
According to the 2009 Report on Climate Change Mitigation in Austria in 2007
greenhouse gas emissions in Austria amounted to 88 million tonnes of carbon dioxide
equivalents (CO2 equivalents), 11,3% above the levels of 1990. This means emissions in
2007 were 19,2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents above the annual mean value of the
Kyoto target stipulated for 2008-2012. When considering emission trading as well as
Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanism (JI/CDM) projects and the
afforestation/deforestation balance, the deviation from the target is still around 8,1
million tonnes of CO2 equivalents.
The main sources of GHG emissions in 2007 were the sectors industry (29,2%), transport
(27,6%), energy supply (15,9%) and energy demand (residential and commercial)
(12,6%). In the sectors industry and energy supply around 80% of the emissions are
caused by plants participating in emission trading (Kranzl et al, 2009).
Renewable energy sources do also have an important role for reaching the climate
targets. Further on the Austrian government has established the klima:aktiv programme
to support the achievement of the targets in the strategy. This is a commendable
programme addressing all sectors of the economy and supporting energy efficiency and
renewables at the same time.
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2.7.2.2
Renewable energy targets based on EU-Directives and the programme

of the Austrian Federal Government
Since Austrias entry to the European Union in 1995, renewable energy policy has been
driven to some extent by EU policies. In line with the Communication of the European
Commission on a Biomass Action Plan (Doc. 15741/05) and the Commission
Communication on an EU Strategy for Biofuels (Doc. 6153/06), Austrias energy policy is
putting a strong focus on increasing the use of biomass as an energy source. The
Austrian government sees increased use of renewables in general and biomass in
particular as contributing to the three main objectives of energy policy by:
Enhancing security of supply through the diversification of energy supply sources
and the reduction of dependence on external energy sources.
Enhancing competitiveness through the development of new and efficient
technologies and providing economic growth and employment opportunities in
rural areas.
Promoting environmental sustainability through the reduction of GHG emissions
and an increase of the share of renewable energy sources, while respecting other
environmental policy objectives.
Austria adopted or reaffirmed targets for renewables in 2006, which were set as follows:
To raise the share of renewables in primary energy demand, and in particular to
raise biomass utilisation, but without setting a numerical share.
To raise the share of renewables in electricity production from 70 % (1997) to
78,1 % (2010) according to the EU Directive 2001/77/EC.
To reach a share of renewables in the transport sector of 5.75 % by 2008
according to the EU Biofuels Directive.
According to the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the
promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (RES Directive), Austria`s
national objective is a share of 34 % renewables and at the same time decrease the GHG
emissions in those sectors which are not part of the ETS until 2020 by 16%. In
addition, the European target of 10% RES share in the transport sector also applies to
Austria.
In order to reach the 2020 targets the Austrian federal ministry of economy, family and
youth and the ministry of agriculture, forestry, environment and water management
initiated the policy process "Energy Strategy Austria" in June 2009. The aim of this
process is the development of a sustainable energy system that guarantees the supply of
energy services to private households and enterprises and at the same time is fulfilling
the EU 2020 targets. Energy supply security, environmental compatibility, cost efficiency,
energy efficiency, social compatibility and competitiveness are the framework conditions
for the work within this process.
The process "Energy Strategy Austria" is supposed to come up with concrete measures
for fulfilling these targets. For this purpose, nine topical working groups have been
established.
These working groups were cooperating until autumn 2009 and three official meetings
were scheduled for each of them. After the results of these working groups are
completed, a clearer picture about technology specific and in particular bioenergy specific
targets might be available. Up to now, there is only a preliminary study for a bioenergy
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12
action plan (BMLFUW, 2006) which however has not been adopted formally. In June
2010 the national renewable action plan (nREAP) for Austria has to be presented to the
European Commission, including sector and technology specific targets. The Energy
Strategy Austria will form the basis for the nREAP
In 2005 21.3 % of Austrias primary energy supply was covered from renewables. In
2006 that share increased to 22.4 %.The most important renewable energy sources in
Austria are large-scale hydro for electricity production and biomass for electricity and
heat production.
2.7.3 Overview of existing support instruments for

RES-H
2.7.3.1
General information about Austrian legislation
Austrias energy policy is simultaneously conducted at two levels, the federal and the
regional level. The federal Constitution allocates responsibilities either to the federal level
or to the regional level. Further more energy policy is formulated and implemented in
close co-operation with the social partner organisations, which represent important
groups of society (employers, employees, agriculture), and in dialogue with nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and the public.
The most important Austrian energy policy making institutions at the federal level are:
Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour: the main government institution
responsible for energy matters at the federal level
Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management:
responsible for environmental protection, including climate change and emissions
from combustion.
Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology: responsible for
transport policy and energy R&D
Federal Ministry of Finance: responsible of setting energy taxes
At the regional level, the governments of the nine provinces also have responsibility for
policy making, setting subsidy levels, and implementing regulatory control of energy
companies.
At a local level, municipalities or cities also have some possibilities for implementing
energy measures. Examples are land-use planning activities, measures concerning
energy supply, mobility and internal organisation. Further, cities have a big responsibility
regarding awareness raising. They can for example start information campaigns, organise
special energy events or publish brochures to inform their inhabitants.
2.7.3.2
Support instruments on a national level
Name of policy
Year of
implementation
Environmental Support Scheme for Austrian Enterprises

2001
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13
Current Status
in force
Policy Target
multiple renewable energy sources (e.g. biomass, geothermal, solar
Policy Type
financial incentive
Target Group
companies
Funding
in 2006: 75.7 million; in 2007: 92.2 million
Responsible
Institution
Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water

Management
URL
www.public-consulting.at
Description
In the frame of the Environmental Support Act the Environmental

Support Scheme for Austrian Enterprises offers subsidies to
companies. Companies can obtain subsidies for the use of renewable
energies (precondition: standards of heating and cooling equipment
have to be met), for the enhancement of energy efficiency and for
other climate related measures.
In the field of renewable energies the fund supports:
biomass (individual plants, local heat, CHP)
heat distribution
geothermal installations
energy recovery from organic waste
solarthermal systems
electricity producing plants
The fund is managed by Kommunalkredit Public Consulting GmbH on

behalf of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,
Environment and Water Management.
In 2006 2,333 projects with a total investment volume of 437.6
million and a total funding of 75.7 million were supported.
Name of policy
Year of
implementation
Federal Promotion of Extraordinary Efficiency in Residential

Buildings (according to Art. 15a of the Federal Constitution)
2006
Current Status
in force
Policy Type
regulatory instrument
Target Group
households
Responsible
Institution
Regional Governments
URL
www.presse.lebensministerium.at/artiche/articleview/43042/
Description
The programme to reduce the climate impacts of housing was

announced by Austrias federal and regional governments. Under
the deal, residential buildings must clearly exceed regulatory
standards to qualify for the Support Scheme for Residential
Buildings. The agreement includes an initial insulation standard of 65
kWh per square metre, falling to 25-45 kWh/m by 2010. It also
introduces new incentives for using renewable heating systems.
Name of policy
klima:aktiv
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14
Year of
implementation
2004
Current Status
in force
Policy Target
support in achieving the Kyoto target
Policy Type
awareness raising
Target Group
all different kinds of actors
Funding
The government provides about 5 million per year to the

klima:aktiv programmes.
Responsible
Institution

Management
URL
http://www.klimaaktiv.at/article/archive/13182/
Description
In 2004 the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment

and Water Management launched an eight-year initiative programme
for active climate protection. klima:aktiv is an innovative add-on to
common instruments of the Austrian Climate Strategy, introducing
target-group oriented programmes in the areas energy efficiency &
buildings, mobility, communities and renewable energy sources. In
the area of renewable energy sources the programmes of today are:
heating pumps
solar thermal
biomass heating plants
biogas
heat from wood
energy wood
klima:aktiv combines various market-constituent measures and

effectuates target-oriented implementation, by providing easier
access to target groups and resources for attaining the commonly
set targets, by enhanced know how-transfer with support in
vocational training and networking of important actors, by the
organisation and development of quality assurance and standards as
well as by target group-specific information and marketing.
The overall objective is to reduce energy consumption and to enforce
CO2-neutral usage of energy. klima:aktiv seeks to bring about a
breakthrough in the use of climate-friendly technologies and services
in the field of energy-efficiency and renewable energy. Furthermore
klima:aktiv wants to accrue their market shares in different areas.
The initiative aims at enhancing quality and accelerating the
introduction of climate friendly technologies and services, which shall
become common alternatives for companies and for private endusers as soon as possible. Networking will help to activate all
relevant actors so that the business location of Austria will be
strengthened in a sustainable and innovative way. Klima:aktiv
programmes educate investors in climate-relevant areas (e.g.
promoters of residential housing projects, companies, and home
builders) by developing expertise of the providers of respective
services (master builders, architects) and by promoting experienced
workers in their relevant markets.
Name of policy
Tax Incentives for Investment in Residential Renewable

Generation and Residential Efficiency
www.4biomass.eu
15
Current Status
in force
Policy Target
solar thermal and heat pumps
Policy Type
financial incentive
Target Group
households
Responsible
Institution
Ministry of Finance
URL
http://www.solarwaerme.at/EFH/Foerderungen/
Description
The personal income tax law specifies a variety of special expenses,

such as the purchase of solar or heat pump technologies for
residences that can be deducted from the income. This is capped at
2 920 per year for ordinary tax payers. An additional deduction of
2 920 for single income households, and 1 460 is granted if there
are at least three children living in the household. Only 25 % of the
amount may be deducted from the income.
Name of policy
Subsidy Campaign for Biomass Heating Plants for Residential

Use
Year of
2008 (valid between April 8th and Feb. 28th 2009)
implementation
Current Status
in force
Policy Target
small biomass heating plants (< 50 kW)
Policy Type
financial incentive
Target Group
households
Funding
9 Million for the period of validity
Responsible
Institution
Climate and Energy Fund
URL
http://www.public-consulting.at/de/portal/umweltfrderungen/
klimaundenergiefonds/frderaktionholzheizungen/
Description
All persons who buy a biomass heating plant for private use only can
obtain a subsidy of 800,- (pellets) or of 400,- (other biomass).
Name of policy
Financial Incentives for Rural Biomass Energy Generation
Current Status
in force
Policy Target
rural biomass energy projects (e.g. biogas, solid biomass)
Policy Type
financial incentive
Target Group
agricultural companies
Responsible
Institution

Management
Description
Rural biomass energy projects such as district heating from wood

chips and biogas CHPs receive an investment grant.
www.4biomass.eu
16
2.7.3.3
Support instruments on a regional level
Name of policy
Support Scheme for Residential Buildings
Current Status
in force
Policy Target
multiple renewable energy sources (e.g. biomass, solar thermal,
Policy Type
financial incentive
Target Group
households
Responsible
Institution
Regional Government
Description
Through the Subsidy Scheme for Residential Buildings measures on

renewable energy and energy efficiency are financed. These
subsidies are granted for newly built houses as well as for the
renovation of existing houses. While the initial purpose of these
subsidies goes back to social thoughts, renewable energies and
energy efficiency have become a more and more important criteria
for the eligibility of these funds. Minimum standards on the buildings
energy consumption are nowadays a prerequisite for receiving these
subsidies. Measures financed through these subsidies are for
instance:
Insulation of buildings (e.g. thermal insulation of windows,

exterior walls, roofs, etc.)
Heating systems based on renewable energies or district

heating (from renewables or CHP): e.g. solar thermal
installations, heat pumps, biomass heating, etc.
Ecological building material
High-density housing: possible reduction of urban sprawl and

transport intensity
The Subsidy Scheme for Residential Buildings is subject to regional

law (provinces). Therefore there are different subsidy schemes in
each of the 9 provinces. Approximately 2.5 bill. (20 % for
renovation and 80 % for new buildings) are granted every year in
the context of this subsidy scheme (not exclusively for energy
measures).
The financial support allocated to the Subsidy Scheme for Residential
Buildings is guaranteed by the Financial Distribution Act (allocating
federal tax revenues to executive bodies on federal, provincial and
municipal level).
Name of policy
Direct or loophole subsidies
Current Status
in force
Policy Target
multiple renewable energy sources (e.g. biomass, solar thermal,
Policy Type
financial Incentive
Target Group
households
Responsible
Institution
Description
In case that no Support Scheme for Residential Buildings is offered,

some provinces offer a loophole subsidy. This kind of subsidy is for
all plants which do not meet the minimum investment volume
requested by the Support Scheme for Residential Buildings.
www.4biomass.eu
17
Name of policy
Subsidies for Biomass District Heating Plants
Current Status
in force
Policy Target
biomass district heating
Policy Type
financial incentive
Target Group
companies or agricultural cooperative societies
Responsible
Institution
Description
An investment grant is offered to companies or agricultural

cooperative societies that produce district heat from biomass.
Name of policy
Subsidies for Private Companies
Current Status
in force
Policy Target
multiple renewable energy sources (e.g. biomass, solar thermal)
Policy Type
financial incentive
Target Group
private companies
Responsible
Institution
Description
In some provinces companies which invest in renewable energy

sources for heating are supported by investment grants.
Name of policy
Subsidies for sports complexes
Current Status
in force
Policy Target
multiple renewable energy sources (e.g. solar thermal, heat pumps)
Policy Type
financial incentive
Target Group
owner of sports complexes
Responsible
Institution
Regional Government
Description
In the frame of the building or renovation of sports complexes

Austrian provinces offer investment grants for renewable energy
plants.
www.4biomass.eu
18
Name of policy
Programme for Municipalities
Current Status
in force
Policy Target
the use of renewable energy sources
Policy Type
awareness raising
financial incentive
Target Group
Municipalities
Responsible
Institution
Regional Government (Upper Austria)
Description
Upper Austria supports their municipalities in realising activities

regarding energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and energy
concepts. The subsidy is limited with 20,000 . Subsidies are for
example granted for the realisation of energy concepts. Subsidies
are not offered for investments in energy plants or labour costs.
Name of policy
Energy Consulting Service
Policy Type
awareness raising
Target Group
households, companies, municipalities,
Responsible
Institution
Description
All Austrian provinces offer energy consulting services.
2.7.3.4
Support instruments on a local level
Name of policy
Support for Renewable Energy Plants
Policy Target
multiple renewable energy sources (e.g. solar thermal, heat pumps,
Policy Type
financial incentive
Target Group
households, companies, others
Responsible
Institution
municipalities
Description
In addition to the federal and the regional support instruments, a lot

of Austrian municipalities do offer investment grants for the use of
renewable energy sources (e.g. solar thermal, heat pumps) for
heating.
www.4biomass.eu
19
2.7.3.5
Others support instruments
Name of policy
Subsidies granted by energy supplying companies
Policy Target
heat pumps
Policy Type
financial incentive
Target Group
clients of the energy supplying companies
Responsible
Institution
Energy supplying company
Description
Some Austrian energy supplying companies do offer subsidies for
www.4biomass.eu
20
2.7.3.6
Soft support measures
In 2004 the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water

Management launched an eight-year initiative programme for active climate protection.
klima:aktiv is an innovative add-on to common instruments of the Austrian Climate
Strategy, introducing target-group oriented programmes in the areas energy efficiency &
buildings, mobility, communities and renewable energy sources. In the area of renewable
energy sources the programmes of today are:
heating pumps
solar thermal
biomass heating plants
biogas
heat from wood
energy wood
klima:aktiv combines various market-constituent measures and effectuates targetoriented implementation, by providing easier access to target groups and resources for
attaining the commonly set targets, by enhanced know how-transfer with support in
vocational training and networking of important actors, by the organisation and
development of quality assurance and standards as well as by target group-specific
information and marketing.
The overall objective is to reduce energy consumption and to enforce CO2-neutral usage
of energy. klima:aktiv seeks to bring about a breakthrough in the use of climate-friendly
technologies and services in the field of energy-efficiency and renewable energy.
Furthermore klima:aktiv wants to accrue their market shares in different areas.
The initiative aims at enhancing quality and accelerating the introduction of climate
friendly technologies and services, which shall become common alternatives for
companies and for private end-users as soon as possible. Networking will help to activate
all relevant actors so that the business location of Austria will be strengthened in a
sustainable and innovative way. Klima:aktiv programmes educate investors in climaterelevant areas (e.g. promotors of residential housing projects, companies, and home
builders) by developing expertise of the providers of respective services (master builders,
architects) and by promoting experienced workers in their relevant markets.
Networking
The specialist journal energy, which has been published in colour since 2005, and is
printed in an edition of 1,600 copies is distributed among the key stakeholders and
energy experts in Austria. The journal focuses particularly on the future of climate
protection, on a common energy policy in Europe, an Austrian energy strategy, the
possibilities and limits of promoting energy efficiency at the municipal level, and many
other important issues related to renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Another instrument for networking is the website of Austrian Energy Agency,
www.energyagency.at
www.4biomass.eu
21
Awareness raising, awareness campaigns, knowledge dissemination by authorities,

networking activities and similar activities are mainly carried out by the Austrian Biomass
Association (ABA). ABA also issues a quarterly magazine called koenergie which is the
main instrument of communication within the biomass-community. The Austrian Biomass
Association also organizes the Austrian Biomass Day (annually) and other conferences,
and it decorates the bioenergy-plumber of the year.
Specific measures for mobilisation of new biomass potential
From the 83.871 km2of Austria, 47% are covered by forest. Wood from the steep alpine
regions is not easy to gather. Annual cut amounts to 22 million m, the additional
potential is about 7.6 million m of forest biomass. 13.7 million m are imported, 9.9
million m are exported. Despite these figures, there is a shortage of resources. Rising
prices for energy and rising energy-consumption make the mobilisation of timber in the
forests necessary.
Within the klima:aktiv program, there is a sub-program aiming at the mobilisation of

additional biomass resources: the klima:aktiv program timber for energetic use with
seven working-packages (WPs):
WP1: building and strengthen networks
WP2: Improvement of transparency on the market
WP3: Improvement of services
WP4: Steps for increasing energy efficiency
WP5: Improvement of education
WP6: Strengthen R&D activities
WP7: political lobbying
Figure 6: development of demand for forest based biomass over time. (FM/a=solid m3 per year;
KWK=CHP, HW=heating plant, Brennholz=fuelwood)
www.4biomass.eu
22
2.7.3.7
Spatial planning measures
Spatial planning is legal issue of the Federal States. With respect to the type of energy it
takes mainly place in some cities, where district heat or natural gas are enforced in some
areas (mainly due to reasons of emission reductions).
Spatial planning with respect to the utilization of forests is mainly regulated by the
Austrian forest law.
2.7.3.8
Policy coherence
There is a coordination between policy-actors of different administrative levels and

sectors. The usual way of legal measures into force is from EU to national and further (if
necessary) to the Federal States. Usually, there are contradictory ideas between actors
on the same administrative level, but with different backgrounds: for example (to raise a
stereotype) between the ministries of finance (wants to keep spending low), of
agriculture and forestry (wants to support measures with significant amounts) and
economy (wants to keep industry out of financial and other commitments).
www.4biomass.eu
23
3 Sustainability criteria
The most important instrument to keep sustainability in forestry is the Austrian Forest
Law, which, in its roots, dates back to 1848. It was reformed several times since. The
present Austrian Forest Law dates back to 1975, and was last amended in 2002.
Natural protection is a topic where the nine federal states produce most of the laws. So
they differ from one federal state to the other. For example, there are eight different
categories of nature protection area: (landscape protection, European protected areas,
natural parks, nature conservation areas, protected landscape elements, national parks,
nature landscape conservation areas, others), together 27,468 km2 or 32.8 % of Austrian
Forests. Most of the other sustainability-criteria are mainly considered being soft
indicators for the development of legal acts. They are more and more taken into
consideration.
www.4biomass.eu
24
4 Certification
Austria respects the above mentioned schemes. About 2 Mio. hectares of forest
participate in PEFC with a certification-standard (Aug. 2009) adjusted to the Austrian
conditions (http://www.pefc.at/). The Austrian PEFC-certification-standard is under
adjustment in Sept. 2009. An additional 5,086 ha of forests participate in FSCcertification standards (as of June 2009). Source: Katharina Lohr, PEFC Austria.
Concerning the certification of agricultural biomass in Austria, there is currently no
system legally enforced. However, such a system is currently under preparation. Source:
Elisabeth Senbacher, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Environment and
Water Management, Sept. 3rd, 2009.
www.4biomass.eu
25
5 Assessment of available biomass resources

5.1 Heating/cooling, electricity and transport
In the following figure, the import and export of fuelwood in tonnes and in the year 2007
is portrait (export: green arrows; import: yellow arrows).
Figure 7: International trade of biomass with respect to Austria (2007). Source: Kranzl &
Diesenreiter, 2009, TU Wien, Energy Economics Group
Table 3: Forests and their utilization in Austria 2007 (sm3: solid cubic meter)
Austria
Forested area
Wood stored in the forests/ha
3,924,000 ha
294.7 Sm3/ha
Total amount of wood stored in

forests
988 Msm3
Growth relative
6.9 Sm3/ha/a
Growth absolute
27 Msm3/a
Annual cut
20 Msm3/a
Forest biomass in energy supply
141.4 PJ/a
www.4biomass.eu
26
Figure 8 (next page): Woodflow of Austria
www.4biomass.eu
27
www.4biomass.eu
28
A realistic potential for the annual production of forest-biomass in Austria is 25

to 28 Msm3 in 2020. This would mean an increase of 40 to 55%, as compared to
the last years, or 30 to 56 PJ/year of additional primary energy, if all of it would
be used for energy purposes.
According to a study issued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,
Environment and Water Management, (www.lebensministerium.at) the total
potential of forest biomass in 2020 will be within a bandwidth of 23.9 to 31.1
sm3 per year, mainly depending on the frame-conditions like price for wood,
infrastructure for harvesting, etc.
To realise this potential, further support like
production of plans for the utilization of forests,
construction of forest roads,
procurement of equipment etc.
is being supported by 100 Mio. until 2013.
www.4biomass.eu
28
6 Conflicts on utilization of biomass

These topics are subject of discussion in the political arena and in the public.
However, mainly with respect to imported biofuels and their respective ecological
rucksack (backpack). There are some conflicts ongoing concerning the
following issues:
Public support for bioenergy systems (especially district heating systems).

Actors: Austrian Biomass-Association and agricultural interest organizations
versus the Institute for Economic Oil Heating Systems (IWO) and pure
economists.
Weighting of the role of emissions, especially of CO2 versus classical

hazardous emissions (CxHy, CO, NOx, dust). Actors: Austrian BiomassAssociation and agricultural interest organisations versus the Institute for
Economic Oil Heating Systems (IWO) and other lobbies for fossil fuels.
Further implementation of biofuels for traffic versus keeping prices low for
traffic fuels. Actors: agricultural interest organizations, some environmentalist
versus other environmentalists and interest organizations of consumers, which
want low fuel prices. Environmentalists are split about this issue. The question is
to be seen against the background of the extent to which sustainability is simply
to be identified with renewability.
www.4biomass.eu
29
7 Land use change

Land use change has been a topic on the agenda and has been discussed by
political actors. However, this topic is not considered being of burning issue with
respect to the utilisation of bioenergy in Austria. It is rather discussed in relation
to a general structural change in Austrian agriculture, and the covering of soil
due to urbanisation and infrastructure construction.
Application of fertilisers and pesticides has been widely discussed with respect to
imported bioenergy-sources, especially to palm-oil and similar energy carriers.
Using of fertilizers and pesticides for the cultivation of oilseeds (rape) within the
country has been criticised by environmentalists. Both discussions are ongoing.
Another ongoing discussion concerns the overgrowing of high alpine pastures
with trees and forests due to reduced high-alpine farming (alpine pastures can
only be pastured during a few summer-months, which is more and more
economically un-feasible).
www.4biomass.eu
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8 Cross country cooperation agreements

Currently, there are no cross-border regulations with neighbouring countries
existing. Environmental Impact Assessment has a cross-border-relevance which
means, that Austria and/or federal states of Austria gain status as a party in
certain There is, however, export and import of bioenergy of and from
neighbouring countries (see also Figure 8).
www.4biomass.eu
31
9 List of figures
Figure 1: Primary Energy Demand in Austria in PJ, as of 2007 Source: Statistics
Austria..................................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2: Renewable energy sources in Austria gross consumption in 2007
(2008 for solar thermal, PV heat pumps, wind); total 358.9 PJ; Source:
Statistics Austria................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 3: Production sites for biodiesel and ethanol in Austria, 2008 Source: Austrian
Biomass Association, 2009 ...................................................................................................... 4
Figure 4: Location of biomass-CHPs in Austria (red circles; as of 2007; green
dots= biomass district heating plants)............................................................................ 6
Figure 5: Source: www.nachhaltigkeit.at ....................................................................... 9
Figure 6: development of demand for forest based biomass over time.
(FM/a=solid m3 per year; KWK=CHP, HW=heating plant, Brennholz=fuelwood) 22
Figure 7: International trade of biomass with respect to Austria (2007). Source:
Kranzl & Diesenreiter, 2009, TU Wien, Energy Economics Group ........................... 26
Figure 8 (next page): Woodflow of Austria .................................................................. 27
www.4biomass.eu
32
10 List of tables
Table 1: Sources of bioenergy, as used in Austria in 2007; in PJ. (Sources: AEA,
Austrian Biomass Association, Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersterreich, Statistik
Austria, Propellets Austria) ................................................................................................ 4
Table 2: Heating of households in Austria by used heating system and fuel ......... 5
Table 3: Forests and their utilization in Austria 2007 (sm3: solid cubic meter)... 26
www.4biomass.eu
33
Bibliography
11 Bibliography
AUSTRIAN BIOMASS ASSOCIATION, 2009
CIA, The World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/au.html
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY, ENVIRONMENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT
(edt.) (2007): Facts and Figures 2007
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY, ENVIRONMENT AND WATER
MANAGEMENT, www.nachhaltigkeit.at
KOMMUNALKREDIT AG, http://www.kommunalkredit.at/ .
KRANZL, DIESENREITER UND KALT, 2009, Country Report Austria 2009, IEA
Bioenergy Task 40, Energy Economics Group
LOHR, KATHARINA, PEFC Austria
ROK (2009): Energie und Raumentwicklung - Rumliche Potentiale
erneuerbarer Energietrger
STATISTIK AUSTRIA (2009), Annual Data,
http://www.statistik.at/web_en/statistics/national_accounts/gross_domestic_pro
duct/annual_data/index.html
SENBACHER, ELISABETH, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,
Environment and Water Management, Sept. 3rd, 2009
www.4biomass.eu
34

4biomass Country Study Austria 2009

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WP 4.2.

Country Study on Political Framework

Primary Energy Demand in Austria ..........................................................2

Renewable Energy Sources in Austria ....................................................2

2 Policy Assessment in the Partner Countries ............................................ 3

National Bioenergy Policy for Heating/Cooling, Electricity

Renewables Besides Bioenergy .................................................................3

2.2.1 (Small scale) Hydroelectric power ...................................................................3

2.3.1 Biogas, Biofuels....................................................................................................4

Nuclear energy .................................................................................................6

Competence-Centres for Biomass: ...........................................................7

National bioenergy strategies, targets and action plans ................8

Support schemes for the promotion of the use of energy

2.7.1 Financial mechanisms for renewables ..........................................................10

The Kyoto Target and the Austrian Climate Strategy ..........................11

Renewable energy targets based on EU-Directives and the

General information about Austrian legislation .....................................13

Support instruments on a national level .................................................13

Support instruments on a regional level .................................................17

Support instruments on a local level .......................................................19

Others support instruments .......................................................................20

Soft support measures................................................................................21

Spatial planning measures .........................................................................23

Policy coherence ...........................................................................................23

Heating/cooling, electricity and transport .........................................26

6 Conflicts on utilization of biomass............................................................. 29

1 Country Indicators Austria

Total land area: 83,871 km2 (land: 82,445 km2, water:

Inhabitants: 8,210,281 (July 2009 est.) (total)

GDP: bn 281.87 (2008)

Gross inland consumption: 1,421 PJ (2007), of which 1,299

Theoretical potential: 7.54 Mio. ha

Source:CIA The Word Factbook, Federal Austrian Ministry of Environment, ROK,

1.1 Primary Energy Demand in Austria

Coal, non energy use;

Oil, non energy use;

Figure 1: Primary Energy Demand in Austria in PJ, as of 2007

1.2 Renewable Energy Sources in Austria

Solar thermal; 4,8

Biogenous fuels; 118,3

2 Policy Assessment in the Partner Countries

2.2 Renewables Besides Bioenergy

Wood pellets, wood- and bark-briquettes

Bio-, sewage-, landfill gas

Waste lyes from paper- and pulp industry

2.3.1 Biogas, Biofuels

2.3.2 Heat from bioenergy (low- and high temperature)

Table 2: Heating of households in Austria by used heating system and fuel

High-temperature- and process heat is being used in wood-processing industry and in

2.4 Nuclear energy

2.5 Competence-Centres for Biomass:

Federal Minstry of Agriculture and Forestry, Environment and Water

Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth, www.bmwfj.gv.at

Raw material, resources

"sterreichische Bundesforste AG-Austrian Federal Forest AG": biggest

Universities, Research Institutes

Technical Universities of Vienna: Institute of Chemical engineering

Graz University of Technology: Institute of Chemical engineering,

"Joaneum Research, Institute for Energy Research": (Stirling-engine,

BLT Josephinum: testing-site

Bioenergy 2020+: this is a Merger of RENET and Austrian Bioenergy

Applied research is furthermore being carried out at the sites of 10 to 20

Advice, technical support

Lobbying, interest organizations