CO2 emissions are to be cut by 40 percent by 2020. Gabriel described the package as "a great success” and stressed his belief that "we can achieve at least 35 to 36 percent” with the climate change package alone.
More money for climate change activities
The programme contains a list of 30 ways to reduce energy consumption in heating, use of household appliances, cars and in industry. "We aim to be the world’s most energy-efficient country”, underlined Economics Minister Michael Glos.
From 2008, funding for climate change activities is to be increased from an annual 700 million euros to 2.6 billion euros. This represents an approximately 200 percent increase in funding on 2005.
Advancing renewable energy use
The share of renewable energy sources in electricity production will rise from today’s 13 percent to between 25 and 30 percent by 2030. Also, the share of electricity generated using combined heat and power will increase by 25 percent by 2020. An annual 750 million euros have been allocated for power stations that produce heat as well as electricity.
Combined heat and power
The switch to renewables-generated heat will be prescribed by law. In future, some 15 percent of energy used for heating in new buildings will come from renewable energy sources. The requirement will also apply to existing buildings when they are completely remodernised.
Climate change mitigation creates jobs
In a campaign funded by the German Environment Ministry, the approximately 1.4 million ‘electricity-eating’ night storage heaters are to disappear from German homes within the space of ten years.
The new climate change package protects the environment and creates new jobs. According to Environment Minister Gabriel, greater use of renewables can double the number of jobs in the renewables sector. Some 214,000 people currently work in renewables-related jobs.
Admission procedures simplified for engineers
The labour market was another key focus at the cabinet meeting. Entry conditions are to be simplified for foreign students and for engineers with specific specialisms from the twelve Central and Eastern European EU member states.
Minister Glos pointed out that the lack of skilled workers, particularly engineers, harms the German economy and thus German tax payers. Recruitment processes should no longer involve an investigation as to whether German nationals would be available to do a specific job.
Demand for skilled workers
Foreign students who qualify at German universities will also find it easier to remain in the country and work for a period of three years.
