3 July 2024
Germany’s Energiewende: Cause for angst or on the right path to GHG neutrality?
Publication date: 14 June 2024
Gas Strategies Group
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EC4A 4AD
ISSN: 0964-8496
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Germany holds the unenviable title of being the EU’s biggest contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Determined to shed this title, it aims for GHG neutrality by 2045, with interim targets of reducing GHG emissions by at least 65% by 2030 and 88% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels. In 2022, the country’s GHG emissions amounted to 784 mtCO2e, marking a 36.5% reduction from 1990, but down just 1.06% compared to 2021. For Germany to meet its 2030 target, it will need to significantly accelerate the pace at which it reduces its emissions – by about 5% per year. Despite recent successes in the development of its renewables sector, concerns are growing that, unless it takes additional measures to support its energy transition, or Energiewende, Germany will miss its climate goals.