Time to replace EEG with functioning EU emissions trade in all sectors - commentary

While the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) was well-suited to supply necessary financing to kick start the expansion of renewables, it should now be replaced by a functioning European emissions trade in all sectors, Reinhold von Eben-Worlée, president of the Association of German Family Businesses, writes in a guest commentary in Die Welt. Scientists needed to specify how much CO₂ can be emitted and determine the volume of emission allowances, writes Eben-Worlée. It is then up to politicians to implement the experts’ decision and balance it out. “To ensure that the emissions trade works, politicians must extend it to all sectors, including buildings, transport and agriculture.”

For background, read the CLEW dossier Germany ponders how to finance renewables expansion in the future.