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Germany sets out plan to phase out fossil fuels by 2045
DW.com • • world
Key Points:
- Germany has unveiled a road map to phase out fossil fuels by 2045, aiming to balance energy independence, affordability, and climate protection, as announced by Environment Minister Carsten Schneider at the UN General Assembly.
- The plan responds to global fuel supply concerns exacerbated by the Iran war, with fossil fuels currently comprising 65% of Germany's energy consumption and heavy reliance on imports costing €76 billion in 2024.
- Germany is the third country after France and the Netherlands to present a detailed fossil fuel phaseout plan following commitments made at COP28, with Schneider expressing confidence in meeting the 19-year deadline.
- Environmental groups have cautiously welcomed the plan but criticized contradictions in government policies, such as continued subsidies for the oil industry and slower renewable energy expansion.
- Energy Minister Katherina Reiche supports new gas-fired power plants and alternative fuel combustion vehicles, positions that conflict with the phaseout roadmap's goal of 100% battery-electric new car registrations by 2035.
