Austria lower emissions again

Austria drops emissions for third year in a row: Austria’s greenhouse gas emissions are expected to decrease by 3.7% in 2024, marking emissions reductions for the third year in a row, Wam reports, citing a statement from the Austrian Federal Environment Agency. The declines come as a result of renewables expansion, upgrading of old heating systems, and putting in place incentives to use public transport with a climate ticket, according to the country’s Environment and Energy Minister Leonora Gewisler. Austria hopes to rescue emissions by 46-48% by 2030.

German solar and wind plants to have open market sales: Germany’s cabinet approved a new energy reform requiring most new wind and solar power plants to sell their electricity independently on the open market, Reuters reports. The reform will apply to facilities as small as 25 kw, shifting from the current system where small- and medium-sized plants sell power to grid operators at guaranteed rates. The new rules, targeting 80% renewable electricity by 2030, will only affect new plants, with exceptions for very small installations like residential rooftops.