Drive forward the heat and cold transition

A significant portion of buildings in Austria are still heated with fossil fuels, with over 400,000 gas boilers in Vienna alone. The heat transition describes the switch to lower-emission or emission-free systems that heat buildings.

Where we stand

The Renewable Heat Package was approved by the National Council in 2023. As a result, from 2024 onwards, not only oil and coal heaters but also gas heaters were no longer allowed to be installed in new buildings. In addition, a funding package was agreed to facilitate the exchange of heating systems. This funding pot was exhausted by the end of 2024.

The next steps

• A Renewable Heat Law with a binding end date for fossil heating systems in existing buildings is still pending.
• Additional funding for the heating system exchange would accelerate the heat transition in existing buildings.

Regierungsprogramm 2025-29 auto-translated using AI

Optimal use of gas infrastructure

• There is a need for a framework for cost-effective design of the transition from and to fossil gas in space heating.

Support decarbonization in space heating

• Measures for the implementation of the building efficiency directive.
  • Reduction of primary energy consumption in residential buildings in accordance with the ambitious goals of the EU building directive
  • Evaluation and further development of the funding framework for thermal renovations and heating exchange in the sense of better cost efficiency and optimization for multi-storey buildings. Social accuracy should be taken into account.

Forderungen des Klimarats der Bürger:innen 2022 auto-translated using AI

Expand emission-free energy nationwide with the goal of 100 percent supply from renewable energy

Emission-free energy supply should be expanded nationwide and statewide. Access must be affordable for all
parts of the population.

Heat/Cold:
By 2030: 60 percent renewable
By 2035: 75 percent renewable
By 2040: 100 percent renewable

All available technologies should be used for this, preferably solar thermal, geothermal
and heat pumps. States and municipalities will be required to submit plans for the transition. Financing should be provided not only through the earmarking of the CO2 tax but also through public bonds with attractive incentives. In addition, there needs to be significant investment in the training and further education of skilled workers.