Carriers criticize new renewable energy law

The proposed Renewable Energy Act (EEGV) has sparked significant controversy among transport sector representatives, particularly within the Austrian business community. The law, which aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, has been criticized as overly ambitious and potentially detrimental to economic stability. Alexander Klacska, head of the Transport and Logistics Department of the Economic Chamber, expressed strong concerns about the legislation’s potential impact on the industry. He described the draft as "not just gold plating, but platinum plating with diamonds," highlighting its excessive alignment with EU directives. According to Klacska, the law requires Austria to replace 35 percent of fossil fuel energy with renewables by 2030—well above the EU's target of 29 percent—and extends these requirements until 2035, pushing the substitution rate to 65 percent. This level of ambition, he argues, creates an unsustainable burden on businesses, especially given the current economic climate.

The law also introduces new obligations for companies dealing with fossil fuels, requiring them to substitute 18 percent of their energy use with renewables starting January 1, 2027. Klacska warns that this additional regulatory pressure could lead to increased energy costs and disrupt the balance between environmental goals and economic viability. He emphasizes that while the legislation was anticipated, its implementation came without sufficient preparation, leaving the transport sector caught off guard. His criticism reflects broader concerns about how the state is approaching the energy transition, suggesting that the focus should remain on sustainable growth rather than imposing unrealistic targets.

In the transportation sector, challenges have already begun to surface. On the road, there is uncertainty regarding future orders, exacerbated by labor shortages. However, despite these difficulties, 60 percent of transporters describe their order books as “at least sufficient.” Meanwhile, rail freight shows a slight upward trend, with a 1.8 percent increase in goods transported compared to 2024. Barbara Adametz-Schneller, spokesperson for the Association of Freight Rail Operators, notes that the share of rail freight in total freight movement stands at around 30 percent in Austria, below the desired 40 percent. She underscores the importance of expanding rail infrastructure as a crucial step toward achieving climate objectives.

The situation on waterways is even more dire. The Danube has seen a sharp decline in freight traffic, with a 11.6 percent drop in cargo transported in 2025 compared to 2024. Only 5.8 million tons were moved along the river, marking a new low. The reduction is attributed primarily to decreased imports into Austria and reduced transit traffic through the country. Adametz-Schneller calls for clearer policy direction, emphasizing the need for specific goals and targeted measures to revive the sector. Her comments highlight the growing disconnect between national energy policies and the practical realities faced by transport operators.

As the debate over the EEGV continues, stakeholders are calling for a more balanced approach—one that considers both environmental imperatives and the economic implications of rapid decarbonization. While the government remains committed to meeting international climate commitments, critics argue that the current trajectory risks undermining long-term sustainability by failing to account for the complexities of the transport sector. With the clock ticking toward 2030, the challenge lies in finding a path forward that aligns with both ecological and economic priorities.