Boost for PV systems: Federal Government revises regulation for construction projects without approval in cable cars Deregulation package brings, among other things, facilitated installation of PV systems in cable cars – accelerates energy transition and strengthens Austria as a tourism location
The Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) is introducing an amendment to the regulation on construction projects without approval in cable cars (VgBSeil 2006). This was announced today by Federal Minister Peter Hanke during the cable car conference – in 2026 it will be 100 years since the first person was transported by cable car in Austria – in Vienna.
A central focus of the amendment is on the facilitated installation of photovoltaic systems – an important contribution to the energy transition and sustainable development of Austria as a tourism location. The amendment is part of the comprehensive measures package aimed at reducing bureaucracy and stimulating the economy. The goal is to speed up procedures, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. The amendment of the regulation has now been passed on to political coordination. The aim is for the amended regulation to come into force before summer.
Infrastructure Minister Peter Hanke emphasises: "With the facilitated installation of photovoltaic systems in cable cars, we are taking a concrete step towards the energy transition. We are creating the conditions for companies to invest more quickly in renewable energy – unbureaucratically, efficiently, and with a focus on the future. Less bureaucracy means in this case more climate protection and facilitation for investments. We enable businesses to use available spaces sensibly and to make an active contribution to sustainable energy supply." Hanke used the opportunity at today's cable car conference to congratulate the association on its anniversary: "In the past 100 years, cable cars have become a central part of our tourism and business location. During this time, bold innovations have significantly increased comfort and safety for passengers. I warmly congratulate the association and the entrepreneurs on this great anniversary!"
Expansion of photovoltaics is significantly simplified
In the future, particularly photovoltaic systems (PV systems) in the area of cable car infrastructures should be easier to install without extensive approval procedures. This makes it significantly easier for operators to rely on renewable energy and make their facilities climate-friendly. The use of existing infrastructure spaces – such as at valley and mountain stations or technical facilities – offers great potential for sustainable electricity generation. Thanks to the planned simplifications, this potential can be harnessed more quickly.
Strengthening tourism and regional value creation
Cable cars are an indispensable part of Austrian tourism and play a central role in the regional economy. At the same time, they also face the challenge of making their operations more sustainable. The facilitated implementation of PV systems supports cable car companies in increasingly covering their energy needs from renewable sources. This not only reduces emissions but also strengthens independence from external energy price fluctuations.
Especially in international competition, the sustainable orientation of tourist infrastructure is gaining importance. The amendment therefore makes an important contribution to the long-term securing of Austria's competitiveness as a tourism location.
Further procedural simplifications implemented
In addition to the focus on photovoltaics, the regulation has been extensively revised based on the experience of cable car authorities. The list of construction projects without approval was expanded and existing ambiguities clarified. Thus, the Federal Government makes a relevant contribution to deregulation. Measures like the modernization of technical infrastructure – for example, the conversion of control lines to fibre optics – will also be easier to implement in the future. The changes are also in line with the industry: operators and manufacturers have clearly spoken in favour of further developing existing regulations.