German Bundestag Passes Resolution on Renewable Energy Amendments
Berlin, January 29, 2025 – The German Bundestag has adopted a resolution recommending amendments to the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) proposed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Alliance 90/The Greens parliamentary groups.
Background
The proposed changes aim to increase the flexibility of biogas plants and ensure continued support for renewable energy sources. The EEG, initially enacted in 2000, provides financial incentives for the production of renewable electricity and heat. However, the current law has been criticized for creating rigid support mechanisms that hinder the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, into the electricity grid.
Key Provisions of the Amendments
The proposed amendments include the following key provisions:
- Increased flexibility for biogas plants: Biogas plants will be allowed to operate more flexibly, with the ability to ramp up or down production more quickly in response to fluctuations in grid demand. This will help to balance the grid and improve the integration of renewable energy sources.
- Extension of support for biogas: The current support mechanism for biogas plants is set to expire in 2027. The amendments extend this support until 2030, providing greater certainty for investors in the biogas sector.
- Phase-out of fossil fuels: The amendments include a gradual phase-out of fossil fuels in the heating sector. This aligns with Germany’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.
Implications
The adoption of these amendments is expected to have several significant implications:
- Increased availability of renewable energy: The increased flexibility of biogas plants will allow them to play a more significant role in balancing the grid and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
- Investment certainty: The extension of support for biogas plants will provide investors with greater certainty and encourage the continued development of the biogas sector.
- Long-term decarbonization: The phase-out of fossil fuels in the heating sector will contribute to Germany’s long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
Next Steps
The resolution adopted by the Bundestag is a recommendation to the Federal Government. The Government is now responsible for drafting a law based on the resolution and submitting it to the Bundestag for approval. The law is expected to take effect in 2026.
20/14774: Beschlussempfehlung und Bericht zu dem Gesetzentwurf der Fraktionen SPD und BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN – 20/14246 – Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Änderung des Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetzes zur Flexibilisierung von Biogasanlagen und Sicherung der Anschlussförderung (PDF)
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Drucksachen a new article on 2025-01-29 11:00 titled “20/14774: Beschlussempfehlung und Bericht zu dem Gesetzentwurf der Fraktionen SPD und BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN – 20/14246 – Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Änderung des Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetzes zur Flexibilisierung von Biogasanlagen und Sicherung der Anschlussförderung (PDF)”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
62