Upper Austria launches new support of 150 euros per kilowatt-hour for electricity storage
The state of Upper Austria announced the launch of a new support program aimed at financing the addition of storage batteries to existing solar energy systems, with the decision set to take effect from March 1, according to the Austrian news agency APA. This measure comes to address a situation that has persisted for years, where owners of previously installed solar systems did not receive any support when they wished to add a storage system later.
According to the announced details, the state will grant 150 euros for each kilowatt-hour of the nominal capacity of the storage battery, with support calculated for a capacity of up to 15 kilowatt-hours at most. A total support ceiling has also been set, not exceeding 40 percent of the total eligible investment costs before deductions. The program includes individuals, municipalities, and associations, meaning that the scope of benefit is not limited to private homes but extends to local and community entities.
State government member for economic affairs and energy Markus Achleitner announced the decision during the opening of the energy-saving exhibition in Wels, emphasizing that storing solar electricity transforms a weather-dependent source into a more valuable element in securing electricity self-sufficiency, in addition to its contribution to stabilizing the electrical grid. He noted that last year saw the installation of around 15,000 new solar energy systems in Upper Austria, with 89 percent of them equipped with storage systems supported by the public sector, while older systems have remained outside this framework so far. Official data shows that Upper Austria recorded the installation of new storage capacity of 220.6 megawatt-hours last year, making it the leader among Austrian states in this field. The state aims to strengthen this leading position by combining the expansion of renewable energy sources with investment in networks and storage systems. Among the strategic projects mentioned is the pumped storage project in Ebensee, described as the battery of Upper Austria, which is planned to supply electricity to about 120,000 households, in addition to a large storage project by Schachinger in Hörsching.
Data from the state indicates that 91 percent of electricity consumption in Upper Austria is currently covered by renewable sources, while 71 percent of heating energy comes from climate-friendly sources. A new energy efficiency law is also being worked on in the state to enhance this path. The Energy Saving Exhibition in Wels, which is held this year in halls 20 and 21 and for the first time in the new hall 22, serves as a central platform for showcasing modern technologies and support programs, where visitors can obtain direct information from companies and the state energy saving association.
As for the mechanism for applying for the new support, the published information did not provide any details about the application procedures, the authority responsible for receiving applications, or the precise technical conditions required. The announcement only specified the value of the support, its ceiling, the beneficiary categories, and the start date of its implementation on March 1.