EAG subsidy ordinances 2026 – now in effect

Authors: Johannes Hartlieb, Alexander Gimona

The funding instruments of the Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG) play a key role in the further expansion of renewable energy in Austria. Investment subsidies and market premiums are intended to create targeted incentives for new projects. With the amendments to the ordinances now in force, the framework conditions for EAG subsidies in 2026 have been finalized. We have summarized the most important changes below:

On January 16th, 2026, the two new implementing ordinances were published and entered into force on the day following publication: the EAG Investment Subsidy Ordinance for Electricity Amendment 2026 (BGBl II 12/2026) and the EAG Market Premium Ordinance Amendment 2026 (BGBl II 13/2026).

This establishes the legal framework for the granting of investment subsidies and market premiums in 2026. Of particular practical relevance are the newly defined funding and bidding dates, as these are decisive for project scheduling.

Investment subsidy 2026: funding calls and funding rates

Investment subsidies for photovoltaic systems and electricity storage will again be awarded in 2026 through several nationwide funding calls. Eligible are the construction of new PV systems and the expansion of existing ones up to 1,000 kWpeak, as well as electricity storage systems. As in previous years, the subsidy rates are tiered according to system size. For electricity storage, a uniform subsidy per kWh is provided.

For the year 2026, the following funding calls for PV systems and electricity storage are scheduled:

1. Funding call: April 23rd to May 11th
2. Funding call: June 16th to June 30th
3. Funding call: October 8th to October 22nd

In addition, further funding calls for other renewable electricity generation technologies (in particular hydropower, wind power, and biomass) are planned throughout the year. These continue to play a complementary role within the overall framework of EAG funding.

Market premium 2026/2027

The Market Premium Ordinance has also been revised for the year 2026. It specifically regulates the maximum prices, as well as the bidding dates and tender volumes for the market premium procedures, in some cases already also for the year 2027.

For photovoltaic systems, the maximum price remains below 8 cents/kWh; for wind turbines (standard location), it is just under 10 cents/kWh. Significantly higher maximum prices continue to apply to biomass plants, with a distinction made between new construction and repowering.

The 2026 PV bidding dates are set as follows:

March 17th
June 11th
September 24th
December 10th

An equal tender volume is available for each bidding date. Four PV bidding dates are also already legally stipulated for 2027, which provides planning certainty well in advance.

Takeaway

The new EAG subsidy ordinances provide clarity and planning certainty for 2026. Anyone planning to build or expand a PV system or electricity storage system should in particular keep an eye on the first investment subsidy call starting April 23rd, 2026. For projects receiving market premium funding, the first PV bidding date on March 17th, 2026, is already relevant.

The expert team of the 360° Renewable Energy Practice Group is available at any time to answer further questions.