austria shifts away from us lng with african gas and renewables
Wenen, woensdag, 18 februari 2026.
austria is reducing its reliance on american liquefied natural gas. the move aims to prevent swapping one energy dependency for another. officials point to risks in depending too much on u.s. supplies. instead, austria will boost renewable energy and tap into new gas sources. key among them is african gas routed through the transmed pipeline and future output from romania’s neptun deep field. since early 2025, austria stopped using russian gas. now it seeks diverse alternatives. domestic energy production is seen as more secure. yet gas will remain essential for decades. the strategy focuses on control, stability, and long-term planning.
austria redefines energy security amid global shifts
Austria is actively reducing its reliance on American liquefied natural gas (LNG). Officials warn against replacing one dependency with another [1]. Since early 2025, the country ceased importing Russian gas [1]. Now, it prioritizes diversification through African gas and expanded renewables. Domestic energy production is deemed more reliable than imports [1]. Yet, gas remains crucial for decades ahead. The focus lies on long-term stability and strategic autonomy in energy policy [1].
diversifying gas supplies via africa and eastern europe
To reduce exposure to volatile LNG markets, Austria plans increased gas imports from Africa. Supplies will arrive via the Transmed pipeline through Italy [1]. Additional volumes are expected from Romania’s Neptun Deep field in the Black Sea [1]. OMV, Austria’s national energy company, leads development of Neptun Deep, with production scheduled to begin in 2027 [1]. Currently, Austria imports gas from Norway, the United States, and Qatar [1]. This multi-source approach strengthens supply resilience [4].
accelerating renewable energy and local initiatives
Renewable energy expansion is central to Austria’s decarbonization and security goals. In 2024, five times more solar capacity was added than wind power [3]. Nearly 10,000 energy communities now operate across the country, promoting shared, sustainable energy use [5]. Regional advisory services support efficiency and climate adaptation projects [5]. Funding includes 2.4 million euros for regional programs and up to 5.3 million euros for energy community subsidies in 2026 [5]. These efforts aim to localize energy benefits [5].
electricity security assured until 2040 despite fluctuations
E-Control, Austria’s regulatory authority, confirms stable electricity supply until 2040 under projected scenarios [2]. In 2024, Austria generated surplus power due to favorable hydropower conditions [3]. However, 2025 saw reduced hydro output—down 25% compared to average levels—requiring greater reliance on gas, storage, and imports [3]. Winter 2025/2026 electricity prices rose 41% above summer rates [3]. Despite seasonal volatility, regulators affirm continuous grid reliability [2].
long-term pricing trends and market dynamics
While short-term prices fluctuate, a gradual decline is forecast for the coming years. E-Control expects wholesale electricity prices to fall to approximately 90 euros per megawatt-hour in 2027 [2]. By 2028, prices could drop further to 84 euros/MWh [2]. For households, analysts project net prices settling around 9.5 cents per kilowatt-hour including base fees [2]. Rising CO₂ certificate costs—from 10–20 euros to 70–90 euros per ton—are absorbed gradually [2]. Lower gas procurement costs drive anticipated reductions in consumer bills [2].