The installation of residential batteries with storage capacities ranging from 4 kWh to 50 kWh will be supported under Austria’s new incentive scheme. A total of €15 million ($16.1 million) in funding from the Ministry of Climate Action and Energy will be used to support the installation of new storage systems and the extension of current systems when combined with renewable energy. There is a flat-rate subsidy of €200 per kWh of useful storage.

Prior to applying for construction permits, interested parties must first register for the program on the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund website. Battery storage systems cannot be ordered or installed without registration and there will be a timeline of  24 months which will be given to participants to finish their projects. 

According to the program, the systems must be completely installed by licensed contractors, and the usable storage capacity must be at least 0.5 kWh for every installed unit of renewable energy. The battery storage systems should be operated for a minimum period of 10 years.  

Director of the Climate and Energy Fund Bernd Vogl stated, “In Austria, we already have technologically mature storage solutions that can be rolled out widely.” “With the funding, we can integrate these technologies into the system and enhance the availability of electricity in those areas where the grids are underdeveloped or where a disproportionate amount of renewable electricity is produced compared to what is consumed.”

Source: PV magazine