Policy Brief: Austrian Energy Demand 2013 in the Context of 2020 Energy Targets

A first analysis of Austria's energy balance for 2013, published by Statistics Austria, reveals an energy demand of 1,119 PJ, which is 1.8 percent higher than in the previous year. The increase in energy demand goes along with a weak GDP growth of 0.2 percent as well as a mild winter. Adjusted for weak GDP growth and temperature, one can calculate a standard energy demand of 1,143 PJ. The Austrian Energy Efficiency Act of 2014 seeks to achieve a target value of 1,050 PJ. A look at the realised as well as standard energy demand in 2013 points at missing the 2020 target if current trends prevail.