The German CO2-emissions are reduced in 2019 significantly. Could be reached the target yet? This is rather unlikely.

in this way, it will nothing to do with the Climate: The coal-fired power plant low make a in full-load operation photo: Reuters

BERLIN taz | It sounded like a Sensation: "The climate goal of Germany is to reduce by 2020 the emissions by 40 per cent, is surprisingly within reach," wrote the think tank "Agora energy transition" on Tuesday. In its annual evaluation of 2019, the Expert noted a great progress in the CO2-saving: minus 50 million tonnes, about 6 percent less emissions in 2019 – and, since 1990, a decline of 35 percent. All the criticism had an indoor and the government is self-deceived, which is, at the latest, since the coalition agreement, by 2018, the climate target for 2020 will missed?

No, it said now, if one asks for Agora: Germany 2020 reduced as strong emissions in 2019, is only a theoretical possibility: "It is as good as impossible that we will see such a decline in 2020," says Agora-Director Patrick Graichen. "There is political will and the instruments are missing so far, simple."

Because 2019 was unusually favorable, the Figures of the "AG energy balance sheets", which were also submitted to just show. After almost ten years, in which, between 2009 and 2017, the German CO2-emissions have not decreased practically, you have decreased in the last two years strong.

environment Minister Svenja Schulze, the Figures are nevertheless to the credit of the Federal government, the first lignite-fired blocks from the current production have taken, said the SPD politician of the German press Agency. The Reform of the emissions trading in the EU, have made coal power more expensive, renewable energies have created Alternatives. Now the coalition must create the legal developments for the Expansion of Wind and solar energy. Schulze said the development is encouraging for the next steps in climate protection. "Because it shows that Political Design is worth it."

For 2019, the reasons for the success are clear: as a result of higher prices for CO2 certificates in EU emissions trading, electricity production fell by coal (minus 31 per cent) and brown coal (minus 22 percent). Gas and Renewables rose. Eco-energy on the new record of almost 43 per cent, because a lot of Wind blew, the sun shone and new facilities to the grid went up. In addition, the energy consumption with lower economic growth.

No progress there was, however, in the case of the "problem children" of the energy transition, transport and buildings: the emissions even increased, because more gasoline, Diesel, and Gas was burned to death, also because the sale of gas-guzzling SUVs reached a new high.

Worries the experts in the Outlook. Agora Director Graichen warns that "emissions from 2020 to 2022 an increase is made". Because the end of 2019 went to the nuclear power plant Philippsburg from the network will be to absorb the resulting power gap is hardly new Wind and solar plants. "The Expansion of wind energy has plummeted in the last two years by over 80 percent, and thus almost came to a Standstill," said Graichen. The Federal government must now rapidly changing the conditions so that the wind force coming forward again. "It is the work horse of the energy transition, without wind power, we will exit, neither the Coal nor the climate-protection targets."

conclusion: May be the goal for 2020 is also theoretically "within reach", the target for 2030 – at least a drop of 55 percent – he sees in danger.