Austria to Launch PV Bonus Program Favoring European-made Components

Austria is set to introduce a photovoltaic (PV) bonus scheme from June 2025 for PV systems manufactured using European components. This "Made in Europe" bonus, as conveyed by the Austrian Ministry of Economics, will provide an additional 20% funding boost towards photovoltaic and energy storage projects that employ European components.

The Austrian expertise in inverters and battery storage is especially noteworthy, with Fronius, the Austrian inverter manufacturer, being a prime exemplar. This bonus is expected to come into force on June 23, 2025, during the second funding round. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to consolidate the European industry, boost supply assurance, and adequately address unfair global competitive conditions. Initially, the roll-out of the bonus program was expected in the autumn of 2024.

The funding for photovoltaic, hydroelectric, wind energy, and biomass facilities through 2025 will solely comprise the statutorily mandated minimum. The Ministry is responding here to the current budget situation and changing conditions, especially in the photovoltaic sector. The objective is to utilize public funds where they contribute significantly to the energy transformation agenda. The focus moving forward will be more on the effectiveness of measures, especially those oriented towards system services, efficiency, and grid-friendly technologies. The first grant round will open on April 23, 2025.

2025 Focus: PV, Energy Storage and Small Hydro Power Revitalization

The EAG Investment Grant Ordinance-Strom 2025, funded by the Ministry of Economics and Energy, will provide €70 million for investment subsidies. In addition to PV and energy storage, there will be a particular emphasis on revitalizing small hydropower plants for efficiency enhancements and ecological improvements. Smaller wind and biomass facilities will also be included in the supportive package. The subsidies are available to businesses and private individuals as fixed amounts per installed output.

From now on, PV support will only be granted when an energy storage system is installed concurrently. For this purpose, €60 million is allocated. Hydropower facilities up to 25 MW can expect €5 million. Furthermore, wind turbines up to 1 MW will receive €1 million, while biomass facilities up to 50 kW will bag €4 million.