Energy Governance in Austria

Abstract

This chapter examines Austria’s energy governance system. It concentrates on the institutional coordination of energy policy with particular emphasis on transitional issues. It first introduces historical legacies, which shape both the current energy mix and patterns of energy governance. As hydropower traditionally contributes a considerable share of the energy supply, Austria seems to be comparatively well equipped to achieve a transformation toward a low-carbon energy system. Secondly, the analysis addresses transitional aspects of the energy system, along the topics of energy supply, energy distribution, and energy efficiency and consumption. While energy policy in Austria rests upon a long-standing neo-mercantilist tradition, this chapter will show that by means of European influences and the onset of renewables, energy governance underwent a careful modification. It will be shown that Austria’s energy transition is characterized by stable governance arrangements that similarly provide the institutional capacities that allow for slow political dynamics. The chapter concludes with an appreciation of these culturally embedded institutional arrangements that forestall rapid political change while obviously granting enough flexibility to manage a long-term transitional development.