The Working Group on Renewable Energy Statistics is an independent expert body which commenced work in February 2004. It was established by the Federal Environment Ministry in cooperation with the Federal Economic Affairs and Agriculture Ministries in order to place statistics and data relating to renewable energy on a comprehensive, up-to-date and coordinated basis. Since the responsibilities for energy policy have now been brought together in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the Working Group is now acting on behalf of this ministry.

The main focus of the work of the Working Group is on statistics on renewable energy. Further to this, the body is also tasked with creating a basis for meeting the German government’s various national, EU and international reporting obligations in respect of renewable energy, and with generally providing information about the status and development of renewable energy sources.

Its members include experts from:

  • the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi),
  • the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB),
  • the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL),
  • the Federal Environment Agency (UBA),
  • the Federal Statistical Office (StBA),
  • the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA),
  • the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR),
  • the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB),
  • the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg (ZSW).

The Working Group engages in various research projects to improve the data basis and the scientific calculation methods. Its work is supported by workshops and expert consultations on selected topics.

On 1 January 2016, the Federal Environment Agency in Dessau was tasked with directing and coordinating the Working Group. The Working Group’s office has also been established there.

Further information can be found (in German) at the website of the Federal Environment Agency and www.erneuerbare-energien.de.