Statement on the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan for Austria 2021-2030

In a statement on Austria's Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NEKP) for 2021-2030, Privatdozent Dr Christoph E. Mandl criticises numerous imprecise statements in the plan that are neither empirically proven nor clearly measurable. Instead, he calls for concrete measures with clearly defined targets and deadlines in order to achieve climate neutrality by 2040.

It points out that the NECP continues previous mistakes in Austrian climate policy by relying on poorly thought-out and insufficiently analysed measures. It also criticises the fact that the plan does not contain a sufficient analysis of previous failures in the area of greenhouse gas emissions reduction and that the projections used are based on uncertain assumptions.

Mandl proposes to address the market failure in the energy sector through carbon pricing or a ban on fossil technologies, as is already successfully practised in other countries. He argues that such measures would not only help to solve the climate crisis, but could also promote economic growth and innovation.

You can download the statement here: