Energy efficiency at centre of German CO2 cut plan

The German government has announced a package of measures to help meet its 2020 emissions reduction target, including stronger energy efficiency action and increased effort in the power sector.

The government estimates that the additional measures will cut emissions by a further 62-78 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent in 2020.

The biggest cuts are to be delivered through a new national action plan on energy efficiency – around 25-30 million tonnes. Measures here will include tax incentives for energy efficiency renovations, tenders for energy saving projects and a joint initiative to set up energy efficiency networks among industry with voluntary targets.