“Top Priority” – New photovoltaic financing starts March 23

In 2023, a total of around 600 million euros must be made available. Submission in the so-called “first call” is possible from 23 March. Applications can be submitted online through the website www.eag-abwicklungsstelle.at. In 2022, PV installations with a capacity of more than 1000 megawatts were installed for the first time, but they do not want to rest on their laurels, but surpass this success. The funding will allow “people to take power into their own hands,” Gewessler explained.

For the minister, the energy transition has “top priority in our country”. Last but not least, the Russian offensive war in Ukraine made this undeniably clear. The energy transition also protects the climate and ensures that energy prices fall in the long term, according to Gewessler. Like Gewessler, Brunner also referred to the government’s goal of covering 100 percent of electricity consumption with renewables by 2030. “We want to accelerate the energy transition considerably,” said the minister.

NEOS criticizes slow network expansion
“With money alone we will not realize the energy transition”, NEOS energy spokeswoman Karin Doppelbauer admitted in a broadcast. The opposition party criticizes the slow network expansion and the lack of skilled workers. Criticism of the previous funding system had come from Lower Austria several times. For Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP): “Apparently, simplifications have finally been achieved, which we have been asking for long and loudly. It is still very important to us that everyone really gets a grant, uncomplicated and fast”.

Improvements for applicants
There should actually be significant improvements for the applicants. For example, private installers can apply for financing for the first time after work has started. Only a full subsidy application needs to be submitted for the first use, but no financing commitment is required for the start-up. Private individuals who request a classic roof system with a capacity of up to 20 kilowatts and who are not eligible for financing under the Renewable Energy Sources Expansion Act (EAG) are also automatically referred to the financing channel of the climate and energy fund.