Austria

Austria has introduced two instruments supporting the RES technologies: price regulation (feed-in tariff system) and subsidies. [54]

To receive support from the price regulation programme the following conditions have to be fulfilled: there still have to be funds available for the year, the systems commissioned and contract with the Clearing and Settlement Agency has to be concluded within certain periods (stipulated in § 10 Green Electricity Act), the producer has to supply green electricity for at least twelve calendar months and the producer has to join the eco-balance group. All wind technologies are eligible for that support, however in some of cases special conditions have to be fulfilled. Solar systems are supporting only if capacity exceed 5 kW. Small scale hydro power plants are eligible if capacity is below 10 MW. Large scale systems are not supported. Biogas and Biomass power plant are eligible only if reach 60% of efficiency. Moreover biomass systems are not supported if wastes (beside a high proportion of biogenic substances) and if systems does not have installed systems to reduction the particulate matter emission. Tariffs are granted based on contracts between the system operator and Clearing and Settlement Agency. The amount of tariff is established by the Minister of Economy, Family and Youth. [54]

The second supporting instrument promote only hydro technology. However eligible are only that systems which are recognized as the RES technology, total capacity is above 10MW but not exceed 20MW and construction have to be initiated before 31st of December 2013. That support based on contracts between investors and the Federal Minister of Economy and Law. The amount of subsidy equals 10% of total investment costs (excluding costs of property). However there are following limits: maximum amount of subsidy can not exceed 400€/kW and total cost of power plant can not exceed 6 millions €. [54]

In Austria the RES technologies do not have priority in grid connection but also grid operator can not discriminate system operators who are entitle against grid operator to by connected to the electrical network on general terms. [54]

Regulation requirement in Austria is Green Electricity Act. [54]

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