Energy experts demand emphasis on energy efficiency in coalition talks

The next government must put much more emphasis on energy efficiency measures if climate targets are to be reached, according to the German Industry Initiative for Energy Efficiency (DENEFF). In an open letter addressed to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Conservatives and the Social Democrats at the start of formal coalition negotiations, 25 members of DENEFF’s advisory committee, which includes scientists, former politicians, and environmentalists, write that a continued focus on the rollout of renewable energies would undermine support for the energy transition, cause a conflict of aim with environmental protection, and become too expensive. Energy saving potentials in industry have been particularly neglected so far and should be addressed first, followed by a push to modernise buildings in order to save energy, according to the energy experts.

Find the letter in German here.

Find background in the dossier The Energiewende and Efficiency.