- Feed-in tariffs in Germany
Feed-in electricity tariffs have been introduced in Germany to encourage the use of new energy technologies such as
wind power, biomass, hydropower, geothermal powerand solar photovoltaics. Each technology is eligible for a different feed-in rate. The aim is to meet Germany’s renewable energygoals of 12.5% of electricity consumption in 2010 and 20% in 2020. The policy also aims to encourage the development of renewable technologies, reduce external costs, and increase security of energy supply.HM Treasury (2006). [http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/independent_reviews/stern_review_economics_climate_change/stern_review_report.cfm "Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change"] p. 367.]
In 2005, 10 per cent of electricity in Germany came from renewable sources and 70 per cent of this was supported with feed-in tariffs. The Federal Environment Ministry estimates that this will save 52 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2010. The average level of feed-in tariff was €0.0953 per
kWhin 2005 (compared to an average cost of displaced energy of €0.047 kWh). The total level of subsidy was €2.4 billion, at a cost per consumer of €0.0056 per kWh (3 per cent of household electricity costs). The tariffs are lowered every year to encourage more efficient production of renewable energy. The annual reductions are as of 2008 1.5% for electricity from wind, 5% for electricity from photovoltaics and 1% for electricity from biomass.
PV financial incentives
Renewable energy commercialization
* Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz (German)
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