By 2030, 80% of the electricity generated in Germany is to come from renewable sources. For this to succeed, electricity market regulations must be further developed. On behalf of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Environment, Ecologic Institute analyzes various fundamental questions regarding the marketing and promotion of renewable energies. In an interdisciplinary research team led by consentec, Ecologic Institute is responsible for energy law-related issues. Among the central topics are reform approaches for the Renewable Energy Sources Act, the regional steering of the development of renewable energy sources, the marketing of green electricity and the regulation on self-consumption of solar energy.
The main focus of Ecologic Institute's work lies on the legal analysis of the following topics:
- Redesign of the EEG funding system: Here, we analyze the proposal to restructure the state aid system under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) in such a way that the funding for new plants is no longer subject to EU State aid legislation.
- Regional steering: In this part, we assess the southern quota introduced with the EEG 2021. The quota stipulates that a certain percentage of the tender volume for onshore wind turbines is to be given to projects in the south. The current provisions for funding under the EEG 2021 fall under and must be in accordance with EU State aid legislation. Moreover, they are subject to approval by the EU Commission. In the context of a possible redesign of the national funding system under the EEG, the introduction of a southern quota must be reassessed under the EU State aid law.
- Green electricity marketing: The European Renewable Energy Directive stipulates that tradable certificates of origin be issued for electricity from renewable sources. However, Germany has decided not to grant such certificates of origin for electricity that is already subsidized by the EEG (prohibition of multiple sales). We evaluate this German approach in light of current market conditions and examine various reform options.
- Redesign of the regulation on self-consumption with photovoltaic systems: We examine reform options, e.g. how the funding system can be adjusted in such a way that the ambitious development targets for renewable energy – and especially PV systems at the federal and regional levels – can be achieved.