Phasing out coal-fired power stations

In line with the recommendations of the Commission on Growth, Structural Change and Employment, coal-fired power stations are to generate only 17 GW of electric power by 2030. By 2038 at the latest, no more power is to be generated from coal. The German government has presented its Structural Development Act (Strukturstärkungsgesetz) for coal-mining regions and the legislative procedure should be completed by the end of the year. The emergency programme for lignite-mining areas is the first step in actively addressing structural change.

Modern combined heat and power plants, which are deemed particularly efficient, will in future replace coal-fired power stations, and are to receive special assistance. The pertinent act of parliament will be amended in 2020.

Renewables to generate 65 per cent of Germany’s power

To accelerate the expansion of wind power, the German government is to take swift steps to modify provisions of environmental and conservation law and air safety regulations that stand in the way. New regulations on the distance between wind turbines and adjacent buildings are to increase acceptance for wind power, along with new financial advantages for local authorities within which wind turbines are erected.

The cap on the promotion of photovoltaic plants has been removed again. There are to be special incentives for roof-mounted plants and plants on the top of buildings to protect the natural environment.

The expansion targets for renewables as a whole are to be increased. For offshore wind power the expansion target for 2030 has been raised to 20 GW.

Energy efficiency

The German government will announce a Cabinet decision before the end of 2019 to lay down the energy efficiency target for 2030. Implementation will begin in 2020, as will a dialogue on the Roadmap for Energy Efficiency 2050.