Germany’s federal cabinet today passed an amendment to the Renewable Energy Sources Act that sets out steps to generate 65% of the nation’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
The so-called EEG Amendment 2021, introduced by Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier (pictured), also sets a goal of greenhouse gas neutrality before 2050 for the electricity generated and consumed in Germany.
An amendment to the Federal Requirements Plan Act with regulations on the expansion of the electricity grid was also passed in the cabinet.
Both bills are closely related and mutually dependent as expansion of renewables must be synchronised with the necessary network expansion so that the electricity can be transported from the place of generation to the consumption centres.
Federal Minister of Economics Altmaier said: “The EEG amendment 2021 sends a clear signal for more climate protection and more renewable energies.
“In the amendment, we are for the first time legally formulating the goal of greenhouse gas neutrality before 2050 for the electricity generated and consumed in Germany.
“At the same time, we are defining the steps necessary to achieve the goal of 65% renewable energies by 2030.
“For this purpose, we clearly and transparently stipulate the tender quantities for the individual renewable energies and go to the upper end of the range provided for in the Climate Protection Plan 2030 – in the case of photovoltaics even beyond.
“In addition, we are increasing the acceptance of the expansion of renewables and enable municipalities to participate financially in the expansion of onshore wind.
“And last, but not least, we pay attention to the urgently needed synchronization between renewables and grid expansion. “
Germany’s Federal Association of Wind Farm Operators Offshore managing director Stefan Thimm said: “Clear expansion paths are important and create planning security for producers and consumers of green electricity.
“We therefore welcome the fact that the federal government is sticking to its course and is now legally anchoring both 65% renewable energies by 2030 and greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050.”
The EEG 2021 and the Federal Requirements Plan Act are now being discussed in the next step in the parliamentary procedure in the Bundestag and Bundesrat.
The aim is to complete the legislative process this year.