Germany’s new coalition wants to deploy 143.5 GW of solar this decade

The new plan would require the deployment of around 15 GW of new PV capacity each year to 2030. The agreement also includes the gradual phasing out of all coal power plants by the end of the decade.

November 29, 2021 Sandra Enkhardt

Germany's Federal Ministry for Economics Affairs and Energy

Image: Wikimedia Commons

From pv magazine Germany

The leaders of Germany’s new government coalition, formed by the Green party, the Liberal party (FDP) and the Social-democrat party (SPD) have presented, yesterday, their 177-page program for the next four years.

In the renewable energy chapter of the document, the government coalition is aiming for the share of renewables in gross electricity demand to rise to 80% by 2030, assuming an increased demand of between 680 and 750 TWh per year. In accordance with this goal, a further expansion of the electricity network is planned and the renewable energy capacities to be allocated through tenders should be “dynamically” adjusted. In addition, more funds will be provided for the further implementation of Germany’s renewable energy law (EEG) and long-term power purchase agreements will be supported by more favourable regulatory conditions.

Furthermore, the coalition decided to raise the country’s 2030 solar energy target from 100 to 200 GW. The country’s cumulative solar capacity topped 56.5 GW at the end of September. This means that another 143.5 GW of PV capacity will have to be deployed during the current decade.

This would require annual growth of around 15 GW and the elimination of growth limits on future new capacity additions. “To this end, we are removing all obstacles, including accelerating grid connections and certification, adjusting tariffs, and planning tenders for large rooftop systems,” the document reads. “We will also support innovative solar energy solutions such as agrivoltaics and floating PV.”

“All suitable roof areas will be used for solar energy in the future. This should be mandatory for new commercial buildings and the rule for private new buildings,” says the coalition agreement. “We will remove bureaucratic hurdles and open up ways in order not to overburden installers financially and administratively. We also see this as an economic stimulus program for medium-sized businesses.”

The agreement also includes the gradual phasing out of all coal power plants by 2030. “That requires the massive expansion of renewable energies that we are striving for,” the coalition stated.

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