At the time of writing the IGov working paper on ‘Governing for Demand Management Innovations in Germany’ earlier this year it was rumoured that there would be a new, comprehensive energy efficiency strategy. Germany has already made considerable gains in demand reduction for energy, and electricity, so much so that there have been claims about a decoupling between GDP growth and electricity demand. However, Germany also has tough demand reduction targets that they are determined to meet – not least a 20% reduction in primary energy by 2020, and of 50% by 2050, both compared to 2008 levels. Against these targets, and despite the National Action Plan on Energy Efficiency announced only in December 2014, the German government recognises that it still needs to take more action. Hence there are now reports that a comprehensive new strategy, the ‘Effizienzoffensive’, is being launched. Details are sketchy at the moment, but sources say that there will be €17bn invested as part of the strategy, which also includes a broad public awareness campaign called: ‘Deutschland Macht’s Effizient’ (Germany makes it efficiently). Reports are that there will be 4 programmes launched, including a new tender process to find the most cost-effective energy savings measures; a pilot programme promoting smart metering; an initiative to improve the recovery of waste heat; and an initiative to promote cross-cutting technologies that enhance the efficiency of energy output or its use. This latter initiative marks massive, planned investment in energy efficient technologies over the next 5 years.
IGov 19th May 2016 read more »