After discovery in Molln

Almost all parties are “master drillers” of gas

The company ADX reported a gas discovery after test drilling. However, further tests are still necessary.(Bild: Haijes Jack)

The company ADX suspects that three times the amount of gas consumed in Austria has been discovered 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 Austria
Upper 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 importing
The SPÖ and Neos also see this as a transitional solution that is better "than importing expensive gas from abroad" (SP leader Michael Lindner) or "filling Putin's war chest to the brim" (Neos 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 motto before we think about extracting even more climate-damaging carbon from the earth."

ADX wants to apply for further tests in the fall. Only then will it be clear how much recoverable gas lies dormant under Molln.