2.2.11 An energy concept of sustainability

With the new energy concept, the government tried to describe as early as 2010 the way into the age of renewable energy. 2011 Federal Government, the Parliament and the Upper House decided another comprehensive package of measures. Because the experience of the nuclear accident at Fukushima has taught that an even faster conversion is better.

2011 the federal government confirmed the reduction targets for greenhouse gas: they should be decreased in 2020 to 40 percent, by 2030 to 55 percent, till 2040 by 70 percent, and till 2050 by 80 to 95 percent - compared to 1990. The government wants to expand its renewable energy into a pillar of energy supply. Parallel, the primary energy consumption shall go back till 2050 by 50 percent compared to 2008. The power consumption is expected to decline by 25 percent; 2020 already 10 percent. At the same time the renovation rate for buildings is currently being approximately doubled annually to two percent of the total building stock. And in transport the energy consumption – but compared to 2005 – shall decrease by approximately 40 percent.

The expansion of facilities for wind, solar or biomass energy Germany has taken a big step in the federal government's view. More than 20 percent of current production comes from systems of renewable energies. Decisive this success is due to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which provides fixed rates for the producers of green electricity. The security of investment achieved in this way sparked a dynamic growth in many areas of renewable energy.

Energy efficiency is another key to economic rationality to achieve a high proportion of renewable energy and objectives as defined in the energy concept. Again, there is ample potential of saving energy and electricity. The federal government relies on the responsibility of businesses and consumers.

In Germany the electricity is still relatively close to the centers of consumption. In future, it will be more decentralized - where as the wind blows or an previously untapped conversion area is used for solar power generation. In order to feed this electricity to the grid, a modern and efficient electricity grid is required. Mainly because of the significant investment in infrastructure, the conversion of energy supply businesses and consumers is confronted with great challenges. Goal of the Federal Government it is that Germany, while maintaining competitive energy prices, reliable energy supply and a high level of prosperity remains one of the most sustainable and energy-efficient economies in the world.