| Title | Geothermal Energy Use, Country Update for Austria |
|---|---|
| Authors | Goldbrunner, J. and Goetzl, G. |
| Year | 2013 |
| Conference | European Geothermal Conference |
| Keywords | Austria, Hydrogeothermal Use, Geothermal Energy, Geothermal Resources, Molasse Basin, Styrian Basin, Vienna Basin, Pannonian Basin, Eastern Alps. |
| Abstract | In general Austria exhibits moderate to favourable conditions for hydrogeothermal use considering several basin areas with either widespread aquifers or enhanced geothermal conditions. In this context utilization of natural thermal water has long-term tradition in Austria. Geothermal energy supply has commenced in the late 1970s and was boosted in the time period between 1985 and 2005. Since then hydrogeothermal development has been on a modest level. The main barriers of a further geothermal development in Austria are given by a very moderate federal funding scheme (e.g. feed-in tariffs). Recent geothermal activities in Austria have focused on 2 projects in the Upper Austrian Molasse (Ried im Innkreis) and on the Vienna Basin (Aspern-Essling). While parts of the Upper Austrian Molasse Basin are yet well-developed in terms of hydrogeothermal use, the Vienna Basin has not been developed yet, although remarkable hydrogeothermal resources of more than 500 MWth have been assessed in recent studies. |