The government that takes power in Austria after next Sunday’s (29 September) general election will face growing pressure to diversify its energy supply away from dependence on Russian gas, just as the economy is stuck in reverse gear.
No party is expected to win enough seats to win an outright majority. Opinion polls give a slim lead to the opposition far-right, Russia-friendly Freedom Party (FPÖ), and the result could influence the speed of the energy transition.
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“Other countries aren’t happy Austria is still consuming such large volumes of Russian gas”, said Stefan Schiman-Vukan, senior economist at the Austrian Institute of Economic Research.
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Pointing to supplies from Norway and elsewhere, the energy ministry said it had taken steps to make Austria independent of Russian gas in the long-term, noting the country had sufficient import capacity for non-Russian gas via Germany and Italy, and that its large gas storage facilities were more than 90% full.
“The high dependence on Russian gas supplies is a major economic and security risk for Austria,” the ministry said in a statement. “It is therefore essential for our country’s security to further reduce gas consumption and stop buying Russian gas.”
The FPÖ says Russian gas must remain part of Austria’s energy mix, although its lead is narrowing.
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Austria can manage, officials say, pointing to a recent government-commissioned study that states imports through Italy and Germany, as well as its reserves, could cover its needs.
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