A blackout is defined as an "unexpected and unforeseeable total collapse of the power supply network" lasting longer than 12 hours. This scenario is currently not very likely in Austria, as the energy supply is considered stable. Nevertheless, it is important to be prepared. A team around Doris Allhutter and Stefan Strauß from the Institute of Technology Assessment (ITA) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences analyzed precautionary measures in a study commissioned by the Austrian Parliament.
Extreme heat periods, the switch to renewable energy sources, the energy requirements of digital devices - all of these are driving up our demand. For Stefan Strauß, the focus is on responding to major changes in good time.
The highlights of the study are summarized in the ITA dossier "Secure power supply in the energy transition". In order for Austria to achieve its goal of using only more renewable energy sources by 2030, it needs not only to expand the power grid, but also to train IT specialists and be flexible enough to respond to climate changes. Click here for the dossier
Secure power supply in the energy transition - ITA dossier No. 64
ITA project Blackout prevention and power supply safety in Austria