Econ min confirms German climate package unlikely to achieve 2030 targets

The measures outlined in the German government's climate package last year will likely not be sufficient to meet the country's 2030 climate targets, a study released by the country's economy ministry (BMWi) has confirmed. According to the study conducted by consultancy Prognos, measures like a price on carbon emissions in the transport and heating sector or the mass roll-out of electric vehicles will only reduce emissions by 52 percent compared to 1990 levels by the end of this decade, rather than the 55 percent aimed for by the climate package, the ministry said. "Without the climate action programme, Germany would be able to reduce its emissions by only 41 percent," the BMWi stated, arguing that the climate package would at least make sure Germany edges "very close" to its 2030 target. 

Economy minister Peter Altmaier insisted the package would still be "substantial" and place Germany "at the top of international rankings" regarding emissions reduction. According to the study, emissions reduction will be particularly successful in the energy sector, where CO2 output is going to be reduced by 61 percent compared to 1990. The goal of reaching a share of 65 percent renewables in power consumption would also be only slightly missed, with the study gauging the share to stand at 63 percent in ten years' time. The biggest obstacle to Germany's emissions reduction identified in the study is the transport sector.

The BMWi study confirms calculations published by the environment ministry (BMU) last week, which also said the German government's comprehensive 2030 climate package announced last year will likely fail to reach its objective and not bring about the desired carbon emissions reduction. The BMU study said emission reduction by the end of the decade will stand at about 51 percent, compared to 1990 levels.