# Austria climate policy and energy transition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/austria-climate-policy-and-energy-transition > Updated: 2026-09-02T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Austria is navigating challenges regarding its climate goals and energy transition. In August 2026, the Ministry of Finance proposed legislative reforms to the Mineral Rohstoffgesetz to expand deep geothermal energy use. The proposal aims to utilize 1,000 MW of thermal capacity to provide district heating to 500,000 housing units, thereby reducing dependence on imported gas. Key measures include streamlining permit processes and introducing a risk-mitigation instrument for investors. However, data regarding 2025 emissions indicates a setback for the country’s climate objectives. Greenhouse gas emissions rose by 0.7 percent to an estimated 67.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, following four years of decline. Emissions subject to the Effort Sharing Regulation exceeded EU-mandated limits by approximately 0.8 million tonnes. This increase was driven by higher heating oil and natural gas consumption due to cooler weather, as well as a decrease in hydropower generation, despite emission reductions in the transport and general economy sectors. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Austria greenhouse gas emissions rise in 2025, exceeding EU targets Austria's 2025 greenhouse gas emissions rose by 0.7 percent to 67.1 million tonnes, exceeding EU Effort Sharing Regulation limits due to higher heating demands and lower hydropower output. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-greenhouse-gas-emissions-rise-in-2025-exceeding-eu-targets ### 2026-08-10: Austria proposes legal reforms to expand deep geothermal energy use Austria is proposing legal reforms to the Mineral Raw Materials Act to accelerate deep geothermal energy use, aiming to heat up to 500,000 homes and reduce fossil fuel dependency. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-proposes-legal-reforms-to-expand-deep-geothermal-energy-use --- Cite as: Austria climate policy and energy transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/austria-climate-policy-and-energy-transition