Austria’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs announced plans to launch a new funding round on June 23, 2025, offering up to 20% “Made in Europe” bonuses for small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage projects using European-manufactured components. The initiative, part of the country’s €70 million ($76.3 million) renewable energy support package for 2025, marks a broadening of eligibility criteria to include storage systems alongside solar installations, following earlier restrictions to solar-only subsidies under the “European Content Bonus” scheme.
The ministry highlighted Europe’s technological edge in inverters—critical for grid integration of PV systems—and battery storage, noting these sectors “align with Austria’s strategic priorities to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on third-country imports.” Of the €70 million earmarked for 2025, €60 million will fund PV and storage projects, while €10 million will support hydropower, wind, and biomass initiatives.
The subsidies, drawn from Austria’s Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG) framework, will prioritize projects demonstrating high energy efficiency and grid services, such as voltage regulation or frequency response. “Public funds must be deployed with precision to accelerate the energy transition,” said ministry spokesperson Hans Zehetner, emphasizing a shift toward “performance-based incentives” that reward systems delivering measurable grid benefits.
This expansion follows a 2024 pilot phase that awarded €35 million to 1,200 solar-only projects, with 70% of recipients integrating European-made inverters or modules. The 2025 program raises the maximum bonus from 15% to 20% for projects using ≥60% European components, with the ministry projecting a 30% increase in domestic content adoption.
