The summer of 2025 has once again demonstrated that extreme weather events are on the rise, both in frequency and intensity. Against this backdrop, Austrian Power Grid (APG), in collaboration with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna, has developed essential forest fire risk maps as part of an innovation project aimed at safeguarding Austria’s electricity supply security in the face of growing wildfire risks.
Launched in 2023, the research project was initiated in response to the increasing number of forest fire events across Europe and the lack of detailed data on wildfire behavior in Alpine regions. Working with BOKU’s Institutes of Silviculture, Alpine Natural Hazards, Meteorology and Climatology, APG assessed the future challenges facing Austria’s electricity infrastructure.
The collaboration analyzed current hazard conditions along high-voltage transmission routes and examined potential ignition sources in these areas. Factors such as voltage level, route management, vegetation, and topography were included in the assessment. Future risks were evaluated in relation to climate change and shifts in land use. The project also explored measures to reduce both forest fire risk and the likelihood of uncontrolled fires near high-voltage power lines.
Key results
The project produced the first comprehensive analysis of the causes and impacts of forest fires in the vicinity of high-voltage power lines in Austria. Using meteorological, vegetation, and socio-economic data, researchers developed a model to assess forest fire risk and pinpoint particularly vulnerable sections of the grid.
To support a more precise evaluation of infrastructure vulnerability, wildfire probability was categorized into five classes. A new, extensive dataset on fire intensities was also established, enabling more accurate assessments of exposure and risk.
Another important achievement was the first dedicated investigation into wildfire risk factors specific to power line environments. The findings provide insights into the key drivers of fire risk and how they can be quantified. For the first time, the research enabled the creation of detailed forest fire risk maps based on different Global Warming Levels (GWLs).
About Austrian Power Grid (APG)
As independent transmission system operator Austrian Power Grid (APG) is in charge of ensuring the security of the electricity supply in Austria. With our high-performance and digital electricity infrastructure and the use of state-of-the-art technologies we integrate renewable energies and reduce the dependency on electricity imports, we are the platform for the electricity market, and we provide access to reasonably priced electricity and thus create the basis for Austria as supply-secure and future-oriented industrial and business location and place to live. The APG grid totals a length of about 3,500 km and is operated, maintained, and continuously adapted to the increasing challenges of the electrification of businesses, industry, and society by a team of approximately 1,000 specialists. 67 substations are distributed all over Austria and the majority is operated remotely. Thanks to our committed employees Austria had a security of supply of 99.99 percent also in 2024 and thus ranks among the top countries worldwide. Our investments of 630 million euros in 2025 (2024: 440 million euros, 2023: 490 million euros) are a motor for the Austrian economy and a crucial factor in reaching Austria’s climate and energy targets. Until 2034 APG will invest a total of approximately 9 billion euros in grid expansion and renovation projects.
Press contact
Christoph Schuh
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