Saving energy: Understanding the current energy crisis as an opportunity for change
The Ecosocial Forum Salzburg met with a panel discussion in Hallwang and brought a hot topic to the stage: overcoming the energy crisis in winter.
Hallwang/Salzburg. “The question no longer arises as to whether we have to change our energy system, but rather how quickly we can do it,” was the motto recently in the Hallwang event hall, which was hosted by the Salzburg Eco-Social Forum.
It was not only about seeing the topic of energy supply as an opportunity, but also about how Salzburg is preparing for the energy crisis and the expected winter and what you can do as an individual.
“In times when there is a power shortage across Europe, these figures show one thing clearly: the question is no longer whether we need to convert our energy system, but how quickly we can do it,” said the chairman of the Ecosocial Forum Salzburg, President Rupert Quehenberger. Because it is a fact that between ten and 15 percent less electricity is produced in Austria than the Austrians consume.
Power shortage not only in Salzburg
During the panel discussion, it was noted that one must bear in mind that the lack of electricity is not an Austrian but a European problem.
“France has developed from an exporter to an importer in the past year, Germany is in the middle of the energy transition and will hardly be able to export electricity in the coming years. This development alone shows that we should not expect electricity prices to increase in the near future downwards again,” explains Wolfgang Syrowatka from Verbund, pointing out that every kilowatt hour that is generated regionally can help to meet demand and reduce dependency on others.
Salzburg develops a 3-step plan
Provincial Councilor Josef Schwaiger, Chairman of the Energy Control Advisory Board of the State of Salzburg, assured that the State of Salzburg was well prepared: “People have recognized the seriousness of the situation and are ready to make their contribution,” said Schwaiger.
“Since September we have been able to observe that electricity consumption has fallen by around seven percent every month.” Joseph Schwaiger
He pointed out that it is currently in the first stage of the country’s energy plan: voluntary savings. Prescribed savings are planned as the second stage of the energy plan and certain area shutdowns as a third measure. However, the latter, seen by some as drastic measures, could become necessary to ensure network stability and secure critical infrastructure.
Area shutdown threatened
“Our main goal is to prevent the area shutdowns,” said Irene Schulte, Managing Director of the Salzburg Federation of Industry, who added that nobody could assess what effects such area shutdowns could have on machines and companies.
Schulte emphasizes: “From the current perspective, the most important thing for the economy is making savings and making changes to the production processes. Here, for example, production lines are already being managed from peak to off-peak times.
Don’t be afraid of the energy crisis
Those present were unanimous in their assessment that although the current situation was serious, there was no reason for fear. “Fear is and has never been a good advisor,” is the prevailing opinion.
“Especially in the current situation, it is becoming clear that there is a great opportunity, especially in recycling and reuse, to secure our raw materials in the future and that massive development has now been lost in this area in particular,” said the discussion.
Are you already heating or are you still freezing?
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