Upper Austria is a highly industrialised region in the Northern part of Austria with 1.4 mio. inhabitants.The gross energy consumption is about 300 PJ, 30 % are covered by renewable energy sources.

The regional government of Upper Austria committed itself to sustainable energy production and use by developing a comprehensive energy policy framework:

• the "Energy 21" programme, 2000-2010, aims - among others - at doubling the biomass and solar energy use.
• the "Energy Efficiency Programme", 2004-2010, aims at achieving a 1 % annual energy saving in the region and at increasing energy efficiency for public buildings by 1.5 % every year.
• by 2030, Upper Austria will cover 100 % of its space heat and electricity demand from renewable energy sources.

Numerous programmes and projects are implemented to meet these energy policy targets, including information, financial and legal measures. An annual report monitors the progress that is being made.

The renewable energy installations include:

• 1,000,000 m² of thermal solar collectors
• 35,000 wood chip and pellet heating installations
• 270 biomass district heating networks
• 1,170 PV installations
• 30,000 heat pumps
• 23 wind mills
• 75 biogas plants
• 580 small hydro power plants
• 50 PJ from hydro power
• 12 new biomass power stations