Germany's Green Power Reform Law
Germany's coalition parties. Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democrats (SPD), have agreed a compromise on the reform of the EEG 2021 green energy law, clearing the way for approval by parliament by Dec. 18, energy minister Peter Altmaier (CDU) and environment minister Svenja Schulze (SPD). Decisions on greater renewable energy volumes required to meet EU 2030 climate targets, however, were pushed into early 2021. The compromise has focused on improving support for first-generation wind and solar assets coming out of subsidy periods. The latest draft lifts the floor on solar roof-top projects that have to compete in auctions from 500 kW to 750 kW. It introduces extra tenders for floating solar and agri-PV. It exempts self-consumption of solar up to 30 kW from paying the EEG levy, and grants an exemption to a smart meter requirement for older solar system. It also increases support for solar roof-tops in larger residential blocks. Some 4 GW of first-generation wind capacity coming out of support as of end-2021 are to receive a Eur10/MWh premium plus spot market prices to allow for continued operation. To encourage acceptance of new wind projects, host communities are to receive financial contributions from projects. They welcomed the changes, but regretted the lack of initiatives to accelerate permitting.
Tags : INTERNATIONAL German Green Power Reform Law Green Power