Die Energiepolitik der österreichischen Regierungen vor dem ersten Ölpreisschock (1969–1973)
The energy policy of the Austrian governments before the first oil price shock (1969–1973)

Summary/Abstract: From the end of the 1960s, the Austrian federal government began to take a more conceptual and systematic approach to energy policy. The first energy policy concept was drawn up by the one-color People Party’s single-party government under the leadership of Federal Chancellor Josef Klaus. After the unexpected result of the following parliamentary elections and subsequent coalition negotiations, the social democracy took the initiative (not only) in energy policy. However, there was agreement on fundamental issues between the dominant political parties – the People‘s Party and the Social Democracy. Both intended to cover the growing demand for energy by building hydro and nuclear power plants. In a relatively short time, the Social Democratic governments were able to successfully build several hydroelectric plants, for example in Ottensheim-Wilhering, Zemm-Ziller or Altenwörth. The first nuclear power plant in Zwentendorf, Lower Austria, the construction of which was decided by the previous single-party cabinet, was to be put into operation in 1975. The government counted on the import of key raw materials, mainly coal, natural gas and oil, and at the same time was thinking about other alternative sources of energy, otherwise would have to build ten times the capacity of the planned nuclear reactor in Zwentendorf by the year 2000, according to experts‘ estimates of the time.

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