86 | 87
ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE
Although down slightly since 2007, electricity
Germany in third place behind China and
consumption also needs to be reduced: fur-
the USA in terms of nameplate capacity.
ther efforts are needed to reach the goal of a
10-percent reduction by 2020 outlined in the
The Renewable Energy Sources Act
original energy concept.
an international benchmark
The Energy Reform seeks not only to mini-
Regarded in several countries as a bench-
mise risks, but also to enhance climate-com-
mark, the Renewable Energy Sources Act
patible energy consumption and high supply
(EEG) was amended in 2014. The aim was to
security. The dynamic development of re-
ensure that the population and business
newable energies has meant an increase in
could afford energy, and that its supply was
the proportion of carbon dioxide-free energy
guaranteed. The background: As a result of
in the electricity mix. In 2014, green electri-
the strong increase in the number of solar
city had a 26 percent share of gross electricity
power systems and a different method of cal-
generation, and in the first six months of
culation, after 2009 there was a considerable
2015 it accounted for 32.5 percent of total
increase in what is known as the EEG cost
electricity consumption. On sunny work
levy, whereby the increased cost of expand-
days, solar PV plants can cover up to 25 per-
ing green electricity is passed on to con-
cent of electricity demand, and on Sundays
sumers on a pro-rated basis. This sparked a
and public holidays even as much as half.
public debate on the cost of green electricity
Moreover, 38.7 percent of all new residential
and the Energy Reform. A fall in this share in
buildings are already heated with renewable
the costs was seen in 2015 for the first time.
energies. In early 2015, there were 1.5 million
The Federal Government is also working on
solar PV systems installed, generating ap-
re-designing the structure of the electricity
prox. 38.5 gigawatts in rated power, putting
market to ensure stable supplies despite a
Electricity generation
In 2014 electricity generated from renewable
energies increased yet
again and accounted
for 26 percent of gross
electricity generation in
Germany.
Gross electricity generation in 2014
26
%
Lignite
9%
Wind power
7%
Biomass
4%
Other sources
10 %
Natural gas
16
%
Nuclear power
18
%
Hard coal
26
%
Renewable
sources
6%
3%
1%
Solar PV
Hydroelectricity
Household
Source: Federal Statistical Office
DIAGRAM