The German government revealed on Wednesday a new energy package aimed at accelerating and promoting renewable energy development. The proposal, entitled “Easter package,” highlights that the use of renewable energies is in the public interest and serves the public safety.
The plan foresees Germany’s expansion of renewable energy on land and at sea as well as its goal of producing at least 80% of its electricity consumption with renewable sources by 2030, up from the country’s previous target of 65%.
The German government plans to install 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, 40 GW by 2035, and 70 GW by 2045. As for onshore wind power, the government has set a target of more than doubling onshore capacity to 115 GW within this decade. The goal for solar is even more ambitious, aiming at a total capacity of 215 GW by 2030.
New lands will be made available for photovoltaic expansion, with more participation of municipalities in onshore wind and solar projects. In addition, areas with weak wind will be developed more, and the framework for the spread of rooftop solar systems will be improved in these locations.
The government is also updating the requirements plan for the expansion of the transmission grid, with new projects being included to ensure that the networks development can keep up with the growth of renewable energies.
“The Easter package is the accelerator for the spread of renewable energies,” remarked Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck. “We will almost double the share of renewable energy in gross electricity consumption within less than a decade.”
He went on to say, “Renewable energies will be in the public interest and serve public safety in the future. This is critical for accelerating the pace. Overall, with the Easter package, we are laying the groundwork for Germany's energy security and sovereignty. At the same time, it paves the way for Germany's transition to carbon-neutrality.”
The Easter package, which was approved by the federal cabinet on Wednesday, will now be sent to the Bundestag, lower house of the German Parliament, for consideration before entering the legislative procedure.
