EUROSOLAR Calls for Policy Changes to Boost German Renewables
Germany's renewable energy sector faces hurdles due to current policies. EUROSOLAR, a prominent renewable energy advocacy group, has called for changes to promote growth and local participation. Key issues include tendering obligations, expansion caps, and the 'sun tax'.
EUROSOLAR has urged exemptions for small wind farms from tendering obligations. Currently, these farms, with up to six 3 MW units, must participate in tenders, causing planning insecurity and discouraging local involvement. Municipal companies struggle with uncalculable risks under the cap system, leading to regional disparities in new plant construction.
Tendering systems for onshore wind and large photovoltaic plants limit expansion speed through artificial caps, despite these technologies being among the cheapest available. EUROSOLAR proposes exempting photovoltaics from these caps and the 'sun tax' for self-consumption to boost their use. The group also advocates abolishing the 'sun tax' on self-generated and consumed photovoltaic power to facilitate the energy transition.
EUROSOLAR criticises planned special tenders for 2019 and 2020, arguing that politics and bureaucracy, rather than market demand and land availability, dictate expansion. The group believes a blanket 65% renewable energy target by 2030 is insufficient and calls for concrete, reliable, and long-term expansion instruments instead of discussing abstract targets.
Onshore wind turbine tenders should introduce the De-Minimis rule to allow small wind farms to participate in the energy transition. EUROSOLAR also calls for a significant increase in energy policy ambition in the upcoming coalition negotiations between Union and SPD to meet future challenges.
EUROSOLAR's proposals aim to enhance planning security, encourage local participation, and accelerate renewable energy expansion in Germany. By addressing tendering obligations, expansion caps, and the 'sun tax', the group seeks to create a more favourable environment for renewable energy growth and job creation.
