Germany — World Leader in Renewables

Renewables: Ambitious goals for the future © Invest in Germany

Germany has achieved the status of world leader with respect to its sustainable industrial policy benefiting global environmental protection. With turnover of 22.9 billion euros, exports amounting to over 8 billion euros, total employment exceeding 214,000 highly qualified people, and an investment volume of around 8.7 billion euros, Germany tops the list in the European renewables industry.

On a worldwide scale, measured in terms of market growth and turnover, Germany remains number one in the sectors of photovoltaics, wind energy, and biodiesel production.

Highlights for 2006 and Prospects for 2012

Photovoltaics
In 2006, PV’s total installed capacity was more than 3,000 MW with a total turnover of 3.8 billion euros. Germany will continue to be a big player in PV: Total investment volume through 2012 is predicted to reach 15 billion euros.
World Leader in Photovoltaics

Wind Energy
Germany is well ahead of its international competitors with a total capacity of 20,661 MW and a total turnover of 5.6 billion euros. Moreover, the German economy is expected to attract another estimated 13 billion euros of investments through 2012.
World Leader in Wind Energy


Biofuels
In 2006, biodiesel production amounted to 2.5 million metric tons and the industry saw a total turnover of 2.5 billion euros. An expected investment volume of 16 billion euros through 2012 will confirm Germany’s position as the world-champion in biofuel production.
Attractive Market for Bioethanol and Second Generation Biofuels

Germany's legal framework is one of the most important factors contributing to advances in the renewable energies industry. In particular, the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and the Biofuels Quota Act have made possible the rapid development in the renewables sector. Thus, Germany has earned the pole position in this market.

Germany’s goals for the future are highly ambitious. Germany aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 percent by 2020 compared to 1990. A climate and energy package adopted by the Federal Cabinet in August 2007 sets 30 concrete, individual measures towards achieving that goal, including specific targets for the amount of renewable sources in electricity and heat, in addition to the biofuels quota.

Germany is striving to be the worldwide leader by 2050 in all market segments of renewable energies. This can only be achieved if half of primary energy consumption is derived from renewable resources. For international investors, this scenario translates into short-, medium- and long-term investment possibilities in a booming sector. Companies like First Solar, Vestas, and Nanosolar have already recognized the signs of the times and have invested in Germany.

Sources: Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Federal Ministry for Education and Research, German Association for Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy “Deutschland hat unendlich viel Energie”.

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Tiefensee

Invest in Germany

Germany — World Leader in Renewables
World Leader in Photovoltaics
World Leader in Wind Energy
Attractive Market for Bioethanol and
Second Generation Biofuels

Strengths of the New States

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