Germany's cabinet approved on 23 September a national roadmap for phasing out coal, oil and gas by 2045. This is the first time the country has directly set the goal of a "transition away from" fossil fuels, rather than only carbon neutrality.
The document will be presented later the same day at the UN General Assembly in New York. Germany will become the third country, after France and the Netherlands, to publish such a roadmap as part of international efforts.
The plan envisages an increase in the share of renewable sources in electricity generation from around 55% to at least 80% by 2030. In addition, it is planned to add 12 GW of onshore wind and to reach 215 GW of solar capacity.
The coal exit is confirmed for 2038, with the possibility of accelerating it to 2035. Methane emissions are to be reduced by 30% by 2030 in accordance with the global commitment of 2021.
The emphasis is on electrification: by 2035, new passenger cars must be 100% electric under EU rules, and heat pumps are to become the dominant heating system. Gas plants will be able to switch to green hydrogen.
Disagreements persist within the government. Some conservatives, including Economy Minister Katerina Reiche, advocate greater flexibility for internal combustion engines and alternative fuels.
Environmental organisations note that the roadmap largely repeats already known measures and adds no new ambitions. How will this plan affect the actual pace of emissions reductions in the coming years?
Environment Minister Karsten Schneider stressed that the war in the Middle East and dependence on fossil fuel imports make the transition even more urgent.
