Austria Should Opt for Shale Gas, says IEA

In the aftermath of OMV’s investment in Lower Austria, the International Energy Agency praised Wien for ‘its balanced focus on security of supply, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.’

“Building the European internal energy market is a case in point. Austria should continue to advance the integration of its natural gas and electricity markets to regional markets by means of closer co-operation and co-ordination with its neighbours,” IEA Executive Director Mariavan der Hoeven said when presenting the report Energy Policies of IEA Countries – Austria 2014 Review.

In the note released on Wednesday, the international body said that Austrian gas storage capacity is significant by international comparison. It also claimed that Wien is not doing enough to use its domestic resources. 

‘Austria can enhance its energy security by increasing energy efficiency and producing more gas domestically. For that reason, Austria should explore its shale gas potential,’ reads the communiqué.