11 Oct 2017

Hidden costs of conventional energy higher than those of renewable support schemes - researchers

Green Budget Germany (FÖS) / Greenpeace Energy

The hidden costs of conventional energy sources in Germany amount to 38 billion euros, compared to the 24.5 billion euros worth of EEG surcharge, which is paid directly by consumers with their power bill to support renewable energy generation. Researchers at Green Budget Germany (FÖS) have calculated that state subsidies, tax breaks, and societal burdens like health and environmental costs caused by nuclear and fossil power generation would translate into a 11.4 euro cents/kilowatt-hour levy on the power price in 2016, compared to 6.35 euro cents for renewable power that year. These hidden costs are paid by society via taxes and other fees.

Read the press release, and find the study in German here.

For background, find a CLEW factsheet on what German households pay for power here.

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