In normal years, about two thirds of Austria ’s electricity is generated from hydroelectric power — according to preliminary figures, hydroelectric power production in the extremely dry year 2003 was pegged at 34,788 gigawatt hours. As a result, hydroelectric power is not only the most important domestic energy source, but the high percentage of production from hydroelectric power is a unique value throughout the EU, and also helps Austria to garner a top European position in terms of environmentally-friendly electricity generation.
But electricity derived from hydroelectric power is not only environmentally-friendly, but is also generated on a sustainable basis and is also an essential component of peak-current electricity generation. Because in case of need storage power stations can generate peak current on a short-term basis — and thus ensure security of electricity supply.
Hydroelectric power provides an important contribution to electricity generation from renewable energy sources
Austria has set ambitious goals with regard to environmental and climatic protection. And so, on the one hand, the percentage of renewable energy sources utilised in domestic electricity production should be substantially increased. And in order to achieve this hydroelectric power is the most efficient and only chance in terms of cost and quantity.
On the other hand, Austria is contractually obligated to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 13 percent. Even here the production of electricity from hydroelectric power provides an essential contribution to the achievement of this objective.
Water framework directive threatens to diminish production from hydroelectric power
Although the importance of hydroelectric power for the domestic production of electricity is undisputed, the implementation of the water framework directive in Austria could lead to a reduction of electricity generation ranging from five to 15 percent. This would contradict the efforts toward an increase of the percentage of renewable energy sources utilised for the domestic production of electricity as well as the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. That is why the electricity industry is doing their utmost for an overall consideration of all directives, ordinances and regulations in the sense of the future assurance of the Austrian electricity supply.
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