Austria to endeavor to reduce dependence on Russian gas

Austria has high dependence on Russian gas at present but will endeavor to reduce it, Federal Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology Leonore Gewessler said.

"Austria has excessive proportionate dependence on Russian gas supplies. Our dependence is 80%. This is the share that has not been lowered in recent years, but increased by hands of politicians. Everything should be done now to become independent from Russian import," Gewessler said.

Austria is in a complicated position because it depends on gas pipelines, is landlocked and has no access to liquefied natural gas terminals, the minister said. "We are working on reduction of gas consumption, dependence on Russian gas and oil, in order to use renewable energy sources," the Minister added.