BERLIN (Dow Jones) — The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology has presented an energy efficiency work plan that provides an overview of the most important planned measures to save energy and increase efficiency. In view of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, more energy savings are more urgent than ever, according to the ministry. The aim is to reduce final energy consumption by 24 percent by 2030. However, it is necessary to drill a thick board here. Because Germany has saved just 2 percent in ten years, as the ministry explained.
“We are currently pulling out all the stops to become less dependent on Russian energy. As important as it is to find alternative sources of supply for gas in the short term and to build the infrastructure for them, the cheapest and most efficient contribution to more independence is less energy consumption,” explained Habeck. “So we need more speed and consistency. It is a joint national task in which politics, industry, companies and consumers can all help to make it a success.”
The energy efficiency work plan contains a catalog of measures with financial incentives, targeted support, but also adjustments to the regulatory framework. The individual measures and instruments are backed by timetables. One focus of the promotional measures will be the refurbishment of existing houses and apartments. Because old windows, old exterior doors or old heating systems in particular are energy guzzlers. In addition, from 2024, at least 65 percent of every newly installed or replaced oil or gas heating system should be operated by renewable energies. In addition, solar roofs are to become the standard in order to quickly increase power generation from the sun.
For new builds, the statutory minimum efficiency standard will be raised to efficiency class EH 55 from next year. From 2025, the standard will be raised again to EH 40. In June, the federal government also wants to launch an energy-saving campaign that aims to encourage companies, tradespeople and consumers to save energy with practical tips. The switch to renewable heat or the solar system on the roof should also be supported.
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
May 17, 2022 07:44 ET (11:44 GMT)