The regional programme "ETP" (energy technology programme) supports R&D projects in the fields of energy efficiency and RES in Upper Austria. So far 79 R&D projects and 153 thesis papers have been supported, including several of the developing, testing & demonstration innovations in commercial buildings (especially regarding to "passive house buildings").

Additionally an R&D centre (ASiC — Austrian Solar Innovation Centre) was set up to support the local solar companies in their research activities and a solar R&D laboratory is under planning.

Innovative Financing Mechanisms

In order to support innovative financing mechanisms, such as third party financing (TPF), a regional TPF programme is managed by O. O. Energiesparverband. The successful programme has so far supported 45 municipalities with the implementation of energy efficiency projects. Throughout the whole process, the programme provides detailed information, advice and guidance to local authorities and companies interested in TPF. It supports the innovative financing scheme and can be used to finance the retrofitting of buildings, street lighting etc. within the municipalities.

The programme was extended to cover also company buildings, as well as investments in energy efficiency and in the construction or retrofitting of installations. It is expected that the new programme will give a strong boost to retrofitting large buildings and installations, and that it will trigger new (large) RES installations.

Quite attractive is also the financial support for renewable energy installations in companies, which covers up to 44 % of the investment costs for solar thermal installations and biomass.