Austria’s largest state now using 100% renewable energy

Austria’s largest state is now sourcing 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources, according to a statement on Thursday.

The Governor of Lower Austria Erwin Proell said: “We have invested heavily to boost energy efficiency and to expand renewables.”

“Since 2002 we have invested 2.8 billion euros in eco-electricity, from solar parks to renewing (hydroelectric) stations on the Danube,” Proell told a news conference.

The region’s location on the banks of the Danube have contributed significantly to this achievement, as it sources 63 per cent of its electricity from hydroelectric power.

26 per cent also comes from wind energy, nine per cent from biomass and two per cent from solar.

Austria as a whole sources 75 per cent of energy from renewables. The country voted against in a 1978 referendum.

Lower Austria has also created 38,000 “green jobs”, and aims to increase to this total to 50,000 by 2030.

The announcement comes ahead of climate negotiations in Paris in December, where it is hoped world leaders will secure a legally binding agreement on climate action.