Focus on PV systems

Expansion of green electricity: 150 million euros available

Gewessler's ministry is focusing on PV systems.(Bild: APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

The Ministry of Climate Protection (BMK) is providing investment funding of 150 million euros for the expansion of renewable energy sources (green electricity) this year. The support would be aimed primarily at companies, the ministry announced.

As private PV systems with a peak output of 35 kilowatts (kWp) have been exempt from VAT since the beginning of 2024, applications for funding are no longer necessary for private individuals. There will be three funding calls for companies this year.

Bidding process planned
There will be fixed subsidy amounts for smaller PV systems. For systems up to 10 kWp (kilowatt peak), the amount will be 195 euros/kWpeak and 185 euros/kWpeak for systems between 10 and 20 kWp. For systems over 20 kWp, funding will be awarded following a bidding process.

The funding pot

• 135 million euros of this is available for photovoltaic systems.
• Ten million euros are available for hydropower.
• Four million euros for biomass and one million euros for wind power.

Furthermore, the funding volumes will be increased this year and next year in a new market premium regulation. According to the Ministry, a total tender volume of 1850 MW for photovoltaics, 1082 MW for wind power, around 40 MW for biomass and around 500 MW for hydropower is available for the years 2024 and 2025.

The market premium is part of the support system under the Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG). It is intended to compensate for the difference between the production costs of electricity from renewable sources and the average market price for electricity. If the production costs are higher than the market price for electricity, the plant operator is compensated for the difference. This is intended to ensure that the operation of a plant also pays off economically. Hydroelectric, wind, photovoltaic, biomass and biogas plants are eligible for funding.