2024-11-19 10:45:00
Carinthia has the highest proportion of renewable energy of all federal states and is therefore in a very good starting position – this must be used – the Chamber of Labor, the ÖGB, the Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Industrialists are now calling for it in unison. The opportunity for the energy transition, from which everyone benefits, must be seen and exploited as a socio-political concern: be it to create and secure jobs, to maintain and increase the competitiveness of companies or to supply domestic consumers with affordable and, above all climate-friendly energy.
Initiate energy transition
More and more electricity is needed not only in the economy, but in general. Demand is forecast to double by 2040. The goal is a secure, year-round energy supply in which the fossil fuels oil, gas and coal are replaced by renewable energy sources. Renewable electricity should be generated and stored decentrally to a greater extent than is currently the case – e.g. B. by households, companies, cooperatives or energy communities. This makes the supply cleaner, more fail-safe, more efficient, cheaper and regional, which makes Carinthia more independent of the global economy. Other aspects of a turnaround would be the thermal renovation of buildings or the expansion of the power grid.
“For us, it’s about securing and creating jobs as well as affordable energy for consumers. The costs of the energy transition must be shared fairly and socially acceptable. Nobody must be left behind. The more efficient and comprehensive the energy mix is in the future, the lower the costs for households can be kept. Workers in ‘green jobs’ will be much more in demand in the future. A challenge and at the same time an opportunity for Carinthia to position itself more strongly as a location for training and further education in these areas,” explains AK President Günther Goach and suggests – to (partially) finance the expansion – an infrastructure fund with public money.
ÖGB state chairman René Willegger: “The ÖGB is committed to a clean and fair energy system in climate policy. In order to keep Austria livable, the energy supply must become more climate-neutral. This requires a healthy energy mix from all forms of renewable energy. The energy transition is not a purely technical question, but a challenge for society as a whole, the focus of which must be on the social dimension and combined with ecological requirements. Ultimately, this benefits both the users, the employees and the climate. Transformation also means new technologies and new green jobs for the business location.”
“In order to be able to cover the rapidly increasing demand for electricity while simultaneously phasing out fossil fuels, maintain the future viability of the place to live and do business and at the same time protect the climate, it is essential that all renewable energy sources work together. This also includes wind power, which threatens to become a plaything for party-political interests in Carinthia. The Chamber of Commerce supports the energy transition because populist bans endanger the energy mix of water, wind, sun and biomass and thus Carinthia’s energy future,” explains Jürgen Mandl, President of the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce.
IV President Timo Springer: “Competitiveness in an international comparison is essential to the attractiveness of our business location. The availability of energy and the costs for it are crucial factors in this context. In order to ensure a prosperous future with secure jobs and added value, an affordable and secure supply of renewable energy is of central importance. If these do not exist, investments, companies and therefore jobs will move away. A recent study has shown that the electricity demand of industry, which is by far the most important economic sector in Carinthia, will double by 2040. To cover these energy needs, a sustainable, intelligent energy mix and, in particular, technological openness are needed. “But this also requires more speed in expanding renewable generation as well as reducing bureaucracy and simplifying administration.”
Initiative “Our Energy for our Carinthia”
The WK refers to the initiative “Our Energy for our Carinthia”, which is run by the association “Carinthia Nature Conservation and Economy Forum“was brought into being. Christoph Aste, club chairman: “The aim of the initiative is to inform the population objectively and transparently about the importance of a balanced mix of renewable energies.”
Inquiry note:
AK: Alexandra Aspernig-Dohr, [email protected], Tel. 050 477-2401
ÖGB: Michael Raunig, [email protected], Tel. +43 463-5870-335
WK: Peter Schöndorfer, [email protected]; Tel. +43 590 9040
IV: Astrid Jäger, [email protected], Tel. +43 463 56615-0
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How is Carinthia addressing concerns related to political dynamics that may impact the development of wind power and other renewable sources?
**Interview with Günther Goach, President of the Chamber of Labor, about Carinthia’s Renewable Energy Transition**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Günther. Carinthia seems to be in a prime position to lead the renewable energy transition. Can you elaborate on what unique opportunities this presents for the region?
**Günther Goach:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Carinthia indeed has the highest proportion of renewable energy among all federal states, which gives us a fantastic starting point. We have the opportunity to not only secure existing jobs but also to create new green jobs that can significantly boost our economy. This transition isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a socio-political concern that can lead to job security, enhanced competitiveness for businesses, and the ability to provide affordable, climate-friendly energy to our residents.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the pressing need for increased electricity as demand is expected to double by 2040. How is Carinthia planning to meet this demand sustainably?
**Günther Goach:** We aim to replace fossil fuels with renewable sources to ensure a secure year-round energy supply. Key to this plan is generating and storing renewable electricity more decentralized, involving households, businesses, and energy cooperatives. This approach not only makes our energy supply cleaner and more reliable but also allows us to be less dependent on the global economy.
**Interviewer:** The transition to renewable energy can be costly. How do you propose these costs be managed so that no one is left behind?
**Günther Goach:** We believe that fairness in sharing the costs is crucial. We propose an infrastructure fund that would leverage public money for the expansion necessary to facilitate this transition. By ensuring the energy mix is efficient and comprehensive, we can keep household energy costs manageable. The focus must always be on creating a socially acceptable method of financing this transition—no one should be left behind in the move toward a greener future.
**Interviewer:** What role do green jobs play in this transition, and how can Carinthia position itself as a leader in this area?
**Günther Goach:** Green jobs will be in high demand in the coming years, and Carinthia has a real opportunity to become a hub for training and education in this field. By focusing on developing skills and knowledge around renewable technologies, we can not only meet local employment needs but also attract talent and businesses in the green sector. This will further strengthen our capacity to lead the renewable energy transition.
**Interviewer:** there seems to be some concern about the political dynamics affecting wind power in Carinthia. How do you view the current political landscape with regards to energy transition?
**Günther Goach:** It’s essential that we approach the energy transition collaboratively, without falling victim to party-political interests. The energy mix—combining water, wind, solar, and biomass—is vital for our future energy security. I believe we must focus on cooperation and consensus to ensure that all forms of renewable energy are utilized effectively, rather than allowing political divides to dictate our energy strategy.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Günther, for sharing your insights. The transition to renewable energy is certainly a complex but promising journey for Carinthia.
**Günther Goach:** Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time, and I hope to see us leverage these opportunities for a sustainable and equitable energy future.
