Germany's New Coalition Agreement: Climate and Energy Focus
Key Ideas
- The Coalition Agreement in Germany sets ambitious climate targets, aiming for climate neutrality by 2045 and supporting the EU's 2040 climate goals.
- There is a focus on utilizing hydrogen and different types of gas-fired power plants, although the alignment with climate neutrality remains uncertain.
- The agreement introduces support for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects, emphasizing system-beneficial locations and co-location with renewable energy plants.
- While financial and regulatory details are yet to be specified, the agreement aims to reduce burdens on BESS by abolishing taxes, levies, and grid fees as much as possible.
After the German federal government breakup in November 2024 and subsequent elections in February 2025, the CDU/CSU and SPD are poised to form a new government based on a draft coalition agreement. Released in April 2025, the agreement emphasizes climate and energy policies. It reaffirms climate targets, including achieving climate neutrality by 2045 and supporting the EU's 2040 climate goals. The document touches on hydrogen usage and the inclusion of various gas-fired power plants, raising concerns about their compatibility with climate objectives. Furthermore, the agreement discusses promoting Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects, focusing on system-beneficial locations and co-location with renewable energy sources. However, criteria for defining system-beneficial projects and the role of grid operators in this process remain ambiguous. The agreement hints at reducing financial burdens on BESS by eliminating taxes and fees. While the specifics of public funding and subsidies for renewable energy are not fully detailed, the agreement signals a long-term goal of discontinuing subsidies. Overall, the agreement presents a positive outlook on climate and energy policies in Germany, setting ambitious targets and outlining support for key initiatives.
Topics
Utilities
Renewable Energy
Infrastructure
Government Policy
Politics
Regulation
European Union
Batteries
Electricity Market
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