Cabinet decides additional renewables auctions as part of energy law reform

The German government cabinet has decided a collection of energy law amendments, which include the introduction of additional renewables auctions in 2019-2021, the economy ministry (BMWi) said in a press release. The press release – while not giving many details – largely confirms last weeks’ agreement between Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative CDU/CSU alliance and its Social Democrat (SPD) partners. According to the release, the draft law also includes provisions on modernising combined-heat-and-power (CHP) plants and a cut of support payments for large roof-mounted photovoltaic arrays ranging in size from 40 to 750 kilowatts. The reform sets the course for a secure and affordable Energiewende, said economy minister Peter Altmaier. “Only with an affordable and secure energy supply can we continue to bank on broad public support for the energy transition,” he said.

Find the press release in German here and the draft in German here.

For background, read the CLEW news item Government coalition reaches deal to boost renewable energy capacity.