In the fight to make Austria more dependent on energy, more biogas should be used. The corresponding Renewable Gases Act (EGG) was sent for review on Wednesday. The extremely ambitious project – 7.5 terawatt hours of household biogas must be produced annually by 2030 – was presented after the Council of Ministers by Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) and Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP). “Manure heaps are now turning into power plants,” explains Gewessler.
Against the background of the war in Ukraine, the efforts had become even more necessary, the two ministers emphasized. The aim is for suppliers to replace 7.7 percent of the natural gas currently used with domestic biogas – consisting of wood residues, agricultural waste or VFG waste – by 2030.
This share will increase annually until the target is reached. According to the draft, only biogas produced in Austria counts. Imports do not count towards the quota. Gewessler emphasized in this regard: “More biogas from Austria means less natural gas from Russia. In addition, we protect our climate with biogas and ensure that Austria remains as livable as it is now.”
Totschnig: “We ignite the turbo”
Colleague Minister Totschnig agrees: “With the Renewable Gases Act, we are igniting the turbo for biogas from Austria and further securing our energy supply. Biogas is a key factor in the energy transition.” With regard to the role of farmers, the Minister of LNV emphasized that they are already “making an important contribution to the energy transition”.
Source: Krone
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