AUSTRIA: INPUT FOR REQUIRED REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON

UNCLAS VIENNA 000216 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR EEB/ESC/IEC (BGGRIFFIN) AND EUR/AGS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG SENV APER ABUD SUBJECT: AUSTRIA: INPUT FOR REQUIRED REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON ENERGY REF: STATE 10743 Following information is keyed to reftel questions: A) The Economic/Political Section has the lead on energy and climate change issues. The Front Office also plays an important role on energy issues. B) Percentage of time spent on energy and climate change issues: Front Office: 10% Economic-Political Counselor: 25% Economic Unit Chief: 50% Economic Specialist (LES): 75% C) Narrative description of work: Front Office: The Ambassador and DCM regularly interact with senior Austrian Government officials, executives of Austria's largest energy company (OMV),Austrian press, and visiting USG delegations on energy issues, with particular emphasis on the Nabucco Pipeline Project. Economic-Political Counselor: The Counselor develops and oversees implementation of post's energy policy and climate change outreach initiatives. Incumbent maintains a close working relationship with OMV executives and Ministry of Economics' officials responsible for energy policy. Provides guidance to the Ambassador and DCM on energy issues, including latest developments in the Nabucco Pipeline Project. Economic Unit Chief: Responsible for analysis, and reporting on the entire range of energy issues, including the oil and gas sectors; market liberalization; energy efficiency; renewable energy; energy efficiency; Austrian views on civilian nuclear power; and climate change issues. Incumbent spends an increasing amount of time following and reporting on regional activities of OMV. This includes reporting on progress on the development of the Nabucco Gas Pipeline; OMV's plans to build an LNG re-gassification facility in Croatia; OMV's expansion plans in the region: and OMV's Baumgarten Gas Hub. Incumbent maintains a close working relationship with OMV executives and Ministry of Economics' officials responsible for energy policy. Economic Specialist: Responsible for research, analysis, and reporting on the entire range of energy issues, including the oil and gas sectors; market liberalization; energy efficiency; renewable energy; energy efficiency; Austrian views on civilian nuclear power; and climate change issues. Incumbent spends an increasing amount of time following and reporting on regional activities of OMV. This includes reporting on progress on the development of the Nabucco Gas Pipeline; OMV's plans to build an LNG re-gassification facility in Croatia; OMV's expansion plans in the region: and OMV's Baumgarten Gas Hub. Incumbent maintains working level contacts with OMV and Ministry of Economics' officials responsible for energy policy. D) Budget: Personnel costs: $151,965 Programs (Travel): approximately $1,350.00 Kilner