Online Article from the biggest Austrian Newspaper translated by...

Online Article from the biggest Austrian Newspaper translated by deepl. It looks like there is broad political support.


Nach Fund in Molln - Fast alle Parteien sind „Bohrmeister“ nach Gas | krone.at

Almost all parties are "drillers" for gasUpper Austria23.03.2024 08:00


The company ADX suspects that three times Austria's consumption volume is located near the Kalkalpen National Park near Molln. The search for gas in the area is controversial among conservationists. A "Krone" round-up shows: Most politicians are in favor of extracting it under certain conditions.

Putting on a helmet and drilling at a depth of several hundred meters - Upper Austria's politicians in Molln will certainly not be doing this themselves if gas is actually found. Nevertheless, almost all parties would be "drilling masters": under certain conditions, they support the project of the exploration company ADX near the Kalkalpen National Park, which has been heavily criticized by environmentalists.

Gas should stay in Upper AustriaUpper Austria is pushing ahead with the phase-out of fossil fuels, but industry in particular still needs natural gas during a transitional phase, according to ÖVP Economic Affairs Councillor Markus Achleitner, who announced: "If ADX decides to extract the gas, there will be concrete talks to ensure that this gas is supplied preferentially to Upper Austrian companies." Government colleague and Deputy Governor Manfred Haimbuchner does not want to take part in speculation about possible gas deposits, but emphasizes in general: "It is absolutely clear to me that we will continue to need gas as a bridging technology."

Better than importingThe SPÖ and Neos also see this as an interim solution that is better "than importing expensive gas from abroad" (SP leader Michael Lindner) or "filling Putin's war chest to the brim" (Neos state spokesperson Felix Eypeltauer). However, both parties emphasize that the nature conservation requirements must be adhered to. The MFG also wants to extract domestic natural gas under these conditions. Green Party leader Stefan Kaineder, on the other hand, answers the "Krone" question as follows: "The expansion of renewable energies must be the watchword before any thought is given to extracting even more climate-damaging carbon from the earth."