The German parliament has passed the latest reform of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG), which specifies a timeline of tenders for renewable power installation additions until 2028. The bill, which was proposed by the energy ministry, passed with 357 voices against 260. A 16-point resolution drafted by coalition parties SPD and CDU/CSU, which includes plans for further changes to the law, for example when it comes to financing renewable installations, was also passed. It also specifies that the growth path for the various renewable capacities, e.g. onshore wind, biomass and solar, will be amended again early next year to incorporate the planned higher EU 2030 climate target and account for the increased need for renewable power in the heating and transport sectors, according to Clean Energy Wire.

Energy minister Peter Altmaier: “We are introducing a whole bundle of individual measures – from facilitating own-consumption of renewable power to the financial participation of municipalities in the expansion of onshore wind energy. This is a major and central step for the energy transition.”

He said the “bold step” of exempting green hydrogen production from having to pay the renewables levy is “creating the basis for [its] market ramp-up”, adding “I am sure this will also be taken up by other European countries.”