Austrian Energy Day 2021 Preview

Not so long ago, the major question concerning the Austrian power market was how it would evolve following its split from the German price zone. Whilst the Alpine country’s relationship with Europe’s largest market remains an important subject (and likely will for many years to come), Austria’s power market is no longer dominated by questions concerning its larger neighbour.  

Which is why for Montel’s annual Austrian Energy Day , organised in collaboration with EXAA, the subjects go beyond questions over cross-border capacity and market coupling (although those issues still feature, of course). 

The free webinar takes place this Thursday 16th September, from 14.00 -16.00 CET and features speakers and panellists from across the Austrian energy sector. More details on the full programme and on how to register for free are at the event page.

Ambitious targets

One point on the agenda will be the country’s ambitious plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 – 10 years ahead of the rest of European Union. “Other countries will be closely watching Austria” says Montel Editor Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, “...if the Alpine country can reach 100% renewables, so can others.” The country took a major step in this direction with the closure of its last coal-fired plant in August, and Volue’s Konstantin Lenz will dive more deeply into how these ambitious targets could be reached in his presentation “Austria 100% green by 2030 – visions, scenarios, challenges.” 

Price evolution

ICIS’ Sebastian Braun will then address another key subject for the country, looking at Austria’s power price development. “Austria, like other countries in Europe, has seen a bull run of prices over recent years due to high gas and carbon prices,” he explains, “but in the long-term the EU Green deal and the EU’s Fit for 55 Package will drive power prices to 2050.” Another question he’ll look to address is whether Austrian power prices will remain close to German prices or whether convergence with other neighbouring price zones – Italy and Hungary – might occur in the future.

A market at the heart of Europe

That’s an idea that relates to the presentation that will be given by Austrian TSO APG’s Christian Todem. He will assess what the new 70% trading rule for cross border markets will mean for a country as interconnected as Austria.

The afternoon will close with a panel discussion moderated by Montel’s Andreas Lochner entitled “The electrification of Austria - market outlook amid rising demand and increased market coupling”. Taking part will be traders and participants from Austrian energy exchange EXAA, market analysts Volue and municipal energy company Salzburg AG.  

We look forward to seeing you there. 

For more information, head to the Montel Events page, or register to attend (for free!) here.  

The webinar is sponsored by our partners at ABN-AMRO Clearing, Fenics Market Data and StormGeo.