Vienna commits to phasing out fossil gas
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In Vienna, Austria, City Councillor Jürgen Czernohorszky and Greenpeace Austria Managing Director Alexander Egit signed a declaration committing the city to exit fossil gas.
Egit highlighted cities’ crucial role in the energy transition and urged other cities to follow Vienna’s lead. Czernohorszky explained Vienna needs to move away from fossil fuels to stabilize energy prices and lessen dependence on autocratic countries, adding gas is expensive and unlike heat pumps, cannot cool buildings.
Vienna confirmed its commitment to end gas use by 2040. The city previously took steps toward climate neutrality with its Climate Roadmap and Heat Plan 2040, and has already begun reforming its heat supply through programs like ‘Out of Gas’ which prevents new buildings from installing gas heaters. Vienna is now requesting support from the national climate law and legal adjustments to gas and rental laws.
The “Gas-Free Cities Declaration” unites cities focused on renewable energy and efficiency, and includes Chortkiv, Ukraine, demonstrating progress toward energy transition is possible even during difficult times.
