Austria plans to overhaul its solar subsidy framework from 2027, shifting support from standard PV systems toward battery storage, energy management systems and specialized solar applications. The government aims to accelerate storage deployment, with up to 8 GW of market-oriented capacity by 2030, while industry groups are urging swift implementation and clearer funding rules.
The debate over the design of Austria’s subsidy framework has intensified since the last funding round, which saw its budget exhausted in just 33 seconds. Thousands of applications for photovoltaic and battery storage investment grants were left unfunded. Ahead of the third and final funding call, which opens in October, the Austrian government plans to present a redesigned framework that is expected to take effect next year.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Economy and Energy fleshed out its plans for a comprehensive storage offensive. Going forward, the focus of new solar funding will shift toward storage. Storage infrastructure will receive greater weight in the new grid infrastructure plan, while the permitting process for battery storage is expected to be accelerated. The ministry is also planning a dedicated funding program for intelligent energy management systems (EMS) for residential and commercial applications.
