Germany: Summary
Updated: 11.01.2019
Support schemes
In Germany, electricity from renewable sources is mainly supported through a market premium scheme. For most installations, the award and the level of the market premium is determined through a tendering scheme. Plants with a capacity of up to 100 kW and other plants in exceptional cases can benefit from a feed-in tariff. The criteria for eligibility and the tariff levels are set out in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG 2017). In 2017 the tenant electricity surcharge has been added to the EEG, which supports electricity produced and consumed in the same residential building. The EEG also introduced support schemes to promote flexible biogas plants. Moreover, low interest loans for investments in new plants are provided for by different KfW-Programmes (Renewable Energy Programme –Standard, Programme offshore wind energy, BMU Innovation Programme, Renewable Energy Programme Premium).
More about support schemesGrid issues
In Germany, plants for the generation of electricity from renewable sources shall be given priority connection to the grid. Furthermore, grid operators are obliged to give priority to electricity from renewable sources when purchasing and transmitting electricity. Moreover, those interested in feeding in electricity may demand that the grid operator expands his grid. These special provisions are set out in the Act on Granting Priority to Renewable Energy Sources (EEG). Further general provisions on energy are stipulated in the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).
More about grid issuesPolicies
Germany provides policies for the promotion of renewable energy sources covering training, certification and research programmes, a self-commitment of public authorities, the support of district heating networks and the introduction of building obligations regarding the use of heat produced from renewable energy.
More about policies
Germany