Renewable Energy Use in Germany in 2006 

open popup Development of renewable energy sources in Germany 2006 Photo: BMU

Primary energy is energy supplied using naturally occurring energy sources and is used to cover over 90 percent of all energy consumption. Despite economic growth, a slight downward trend has been evident since the 1990s.

By way of contrast, there has been a significant increase in the share of renewable energy sources such as hydropower, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass and solar energy – from 4.7 percent in 2005 to 5.8 percent in 2006. 

Explanation of the term energy productivity

open popup Energiy productivity and economic groth Photo: Federal Statistical Office and Energy Balances Working Group

The energy productivity – i.e. the use of energy per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 31 % between 1990 and 2006. Nevertheless, absolute energy consumption has dropped by only 3 %, because efficiency gains have been largely offset by economic growth of about 27 %.

It is not only the more responsible use of energy which has had a positive impact on  energy productivity. A change in the structure of industry has helped increase energy efficiency, with less energy-intensive production procedures coming to the fore.

Explanation of the term raw materials productivity

open popup Raw material productivity and economic growth Photo: Federal Statistic Office

The raw materials productivity expresses the quantity of raw materials needed to generate one unit of gross domestic product (GDP). The raw materials meant are abiotic and do not include agricultural and forestry products.

open popup Carbon Dioxide Emissions (CO2) by Source Group Photo: Federal Enviromental Agency (UBA)

The satisfactory trend in the raw materials productivity over the last few years is the result of structural change within the economy, with less raw-materials-intensive branches becoming stronger. It is not a reflection of a more rational use of raw materials. The percentage of imported primary raw materials has increased.

Germany’s key policy measures: 

• Promotion of renewable energy by means of legislation prescribing renewables-generated electricity to be fed into the grid in return for guaranteed payment rates
  
  
• Grants and low-interest loans for solar and biomass/geothermal heat-generation systems
  
  
• Retention and advancement of combined heat and power options
  
  
• Participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme for the energy sector and industry as a whole
  
  
• Biofuel quotas for petrol and diesel, reduced taxation on biofuels
  
  
• Energy standards for new buildings
  
  
• Energy efficiency certificates for new buildings and for existing buildings from 2008
  
  
• Promote climate, energy and technology research
  
  
• Research on and development of renewable raw materials