The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action presented an Energy Efficiency Work Plan today. This work plan defines important steps and measures to be taken by the German Federal Government with the aim to save more energy and improve energy efficiency. Saving more energy has become even more urgent in light of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. To this end, the Energy Efficiency Work Plan comprises a catalogue of specific measures, including financial incentives, targeted funding and adjustments of the regulatory framework, with schedules for the individual measures and tools.

Minister Habeck said: "We are doing everything we can to become less dependent on Russian energy. While it is very important to come up with alternative gas supply sources and establish the necessary infrastructure in the short term, saving energy is the cheapest and most efficient way to become more independent. It is indispensable to combat climate change and helps to reduce the cost pressure resulting from the enormous price of fossil fuels, which is particularly great for families with low incomes. And the prices are also a burden for companies. We are therefore working hard to improve energy efficiency – by providing support, incentives and information, and by creating the right policy environment. Saving energy and switching to renewable energy is a challenging task. Not just since today, but especially today.

We are well aware of the fact that this is a major challenge. The current objective is to reduce final energy consumption by 24 percent by 2030. In the last ten years, the reduction in Germany amounted to a mere two percent. We therefore need to reduce final energy consumption more quickly and consistently. This is a task for the entire country, and the government, industry, business and consumers all need to play their part in order to make it a success. Those who consume less energy help to combat climate change, make our country stronger and save money."

You can find the Energy Efficiency Work Plan (in German) here.