The challenges of gas security in Austria – implications for cooperation with the Russian Federation

Abstract

The article deals with the current and important problem of diversifying sources and directions of natural gas supplies to Austria as well as the challenges to replace gas with renewable energy sources. With the war in Ukraine the current perception of energy cooperation with Russia has changed. According to the author, countries will continue to reduce the import of Russian gas in favor of the raw material imported from other directions, including LNG. Natural gas will keep on decreasing its significance and instead the focus will change to renewable energy sources; this move is supported in particular by the 'Greens' who are in the coalition government. As a result of Austria's plans to achieve a climate-neutral state there is a strong push, supported by the coalition party 'the Greens', to utilize renewable energy sources, including solar and wind energy as well as biogas. Other potential energy sources to be considered are green hydrogen and geothermal energy. The ongoing activities to reduce natural gas consumption may significantly change the gas security of Austria.