Energy policy

© Photocase

Efficiency objective
Market economy structures and effective competition are key building blocks for ensuring the economically viable - i.e. efficient - supply and use of energy. For example, the ongoing liberalisation of electricity and gas markets throughout Europe is essential for fostering competition and ensuring competitive prices in this sector, which was formerly dominated by monopolies. This not only benefits industrial and private consumers, it also strengthens Germany's international competitiveness as a place to do business.

Supply security objective
Security of supply means that, at any given time, there are sufficient sources of energy to meet demand. As a country poor in natural resources, Germany is particularly dependent on energy imports. Thus in order for Germany to maximize its energy security, it needs to ensure a diverse mix of energy sources and energy suppliers from around the world. This is particularly true in light of the Government's decision to phase out nuclear power. It is also crucial to increase energy savings and energy efficiency, because reducing energy demand through the more rational use of energy also makes a significant contribution to security of supply.

Environmental compatibility objective
Environmental compatibility means using natural resources as carefully and sensibly as possible. Effective climate protection is one of the greatest current global challenges in the field of energy policy. The German Government has launched a broad spectrum of initiatives that aim to enhance energy savings, promote the more rational use of energy, and increase the share of renewable energies in overall energy supply. To ensure that effective climate protection policies do not have a negative impact on the competitiveness of our companies, it is important to press forward with emissions reductions not only at the national level but also at the European and international levels.