Label for a new heater providing information on energy efficiency, noise level and rated output
Consumers

New heating systems are more efficient and come with better labelling

Summer is drawing to a close, and soon we will have to fire up our central heating systems again. On 26 September 2015, a new EU directive on energy labelling and ecodesign requirements for new space heaters and water heaters entered into force. The tried and tested EU efficiency label ensures transparency for consumers.

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This graph exclusively shows primary heating energy in new homes over the last few years. Any form of secondary energy used as a back-up, for example solar thermal energy, is not reflected in this graph.

direct view

This is how Germans heat their homes

As we can see from the heating systems installed in new homes, the heating market is currently experiencing a dynamic development. In the last few years, heat pumps and district heating systems have been used more and more. The latest statistics from the Working Group on Energy Balances confirm this trend.

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Contruction workers are laying a power cable in Raesfeld.
Grids

Federal Network Agency confirms grid development plans for 2014

Against the backdrop of a rising share of renewables in Germany’s energy mix, we need to further expand the electricity grid to ensure a secure electricity supply into the future. On 4 September, the Federal Network Agency, confirmed that 5,800 kilometres of new power cables have to be installed by 2024.

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Scrrenshot of interactive map, showing where exactly wind power is being harvested in Germany.
Wind power

Offshore wind power in Germany set to triple in 2015

Following last year’s reform of the Renewable Energy Sources Act and the improvements made to the investment and operating framework, the number of offshore wind farms has seen a steep rise. To find out where exactly wind power is being harvested in Germany, please see the Ministry’s interactive maps, which are now available on the website.

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The ‘public dialogue on grids’, pictured here at the open day of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in Berlin.
Participation

‘Public dialogue on grids’ picking up speed

This autumn, there will be a whole host of events taking place under the umbrella of the 'public dialogue on grids', with six citizens’ conferences taking place this month alone. The public are invited to use this opportunity to discuss key issues related to grid expansion. Furthermore, the mobile Citizens’ Bureau will come to many German city centres, and there will also be a number of opportunities to chat with experts online.

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Atomkraftwerk vor blauem Himmel
Nuclear energy

Minister Gabriel on new draft legislation "Parents are held liable for their children"

Who is to be held liable for the costs of decommissioning and dismantling nuclear power plants? This is the question at the heart of the draft legislation for an 'Act on liability for the dismantling and of nuclear power plants and their disposal'. In the first week of September, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy launched the consultation process with the Länder and the relevant associations.

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Solar cell production at the HELENE research project.
Research

New solar cells set efficiency record

The HELENE research project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has been a real success. The enhanced 'PERC' solar cell can convert 21.7 per cent of the sunlight absorbed into electricity. We explain why taking the lead in international competition also helps boost the German solar industry.

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Karl-Heinz Stawiarski, Geschäftsführer Bundesverband Wärmepumpe (BWP) e. V.

Quote of the week

Half of Germany’s energy consumption comes from heating. However, most of the boilers in Germany are outdated. So transforming our energy system in Germany means changing our boilers at home. People interested in heating their homes in a particularly efficient way, can use the efficiency label for new heaters, which is to be introduced on 26 September, as a guideline. Heat pumps extract energy from the environment or the ground. They are highly efficient and therefore a good choice for consumers.

Karl-Heinz Stawiarski, CEO of the German Heat Pumps Association (BWP).

direct reports

Figures on energy efficiency in 2014 show Germany is on the right track

The figures for 2014 published by the Working Group on Energy Balances show that private households, industry, and producers of power have all made major headway on energy efficiency. Private households were the most successful, improving their energy performance by close to 6 per cent (further information in German only). Find out more

Webinar on the Energiewende on 7 October, 11 a.m. CET

Patrick Graichen, director of Agora Energiewende think tank, will be giving a webinar about the current status of Germany’s energy transition (Energiewende), focusing on important lessons-learned and forthcoming challenges. There will also be a Q&A session. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 7 October 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon CET. To participate, please register here. The webinar is free of charge. Find out more

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