Germany Plans Energy Savings Measures

The German government has reached broad agreement on a number of energy savings measures as it implements a drive by Chancellor Angela Merkel to battle climate change.

An overall draft of measures is not available, but Reuters has obtained an internal economy ministry paper listing details.
The bulk of additional savings — which will help reduce the emission of climate changing carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuel burning — will have to be made in public and private buildings, in transport and by households.

Industries and energy producers already have far-reaching mandatory energy conservation programmes.

During Germany’s presidency of the European Union in first half 2007, Merkel pushed through ambitious and far-reaching goals on climate protection for the bloc and consequently aims to cut national greenhouse gas emissions by a third by 2020.

Her plans are controversial as they undermine consumer spending power and industry warns they could cost jobs.

Environmentalists say the plans are too watered down. They lobby for a speed limit on German motorways.

Germany also aims to increase the share of renewable power in its energy mix to nearly 30 percent from 12 percent now.

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