Energiewende experts call on new government to prioritise CO2 pricing

The next federal government should put a high priority on introducing a higher price on CO₂ across all economic sectors and a fundamental reform of energy-related taxes and levies in Germany, if climate targets are to be taken seriously, according to a position paper by a group of scientists, economists and civil society actors. “Germany’s complicated mix of instruments and decisions contradicts itself and does not suffice to reach our climate targets,” the paper says. The group, which includes the heads of the German Energy Agency (dena) and think tank Agora Energiewende*, proposes general reform guidelines, such as a fairer distribution of costs, to prevent carbon leakage, and to ensure reforms are compatible with EU regulations. The next coalition agreement should include a clear commitment to CO₂ pricing based on these guidelines, and necessary measures must be implemented from 2018/2019 on, so to ensure Germany reaches its 2030 and 2050 climate targets, the paper says.

Find the paper in German here.

For background, read the CLEW factsheets Germany ponders how to finance renewables expansion in the future and What energy & climate stakeholders want from Germany's next government.

*Like the Clean Energy Wire, Agora Energiewende is a project funded by Stiftung Mercator and the European Climate Foundation.