Austria

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €50 million loan to the Zumtobel Group to boost its research and development of innovative lighting solutions. The funding will support R&D projects in the lighting group’s EU locations that are planned for the next three financial years, with a total budget of €191 million.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €80 million to the PÜSPÖK Group to build six agrivoltaic farms in Burgenland, Austria. This innovative project is being financed together with Erste Bank of the Austrian group of savings banks (Sparkassen). Erste Bank is providing a loan of €43 million, of which €28 million will be refinanced by the EIB.

Austrian respondents recognise the need to adapt their lifestyle due to the effects of climate change, according to the annual Climate Survey commissioned by the European Investment Bank (EIB). Among the challenges facing their country, Austrian respondents ranked climate change third, after the cost of living and large-scale migration. Many believe that investing in adaptation now will also prevent higher costs in the future.