What conclusions can be drawn for future energy policy?
A “no regret” strategy is required. The scenario findings indicate that an isolated national emissions target of a 40% reduction in CO2 by 2020 compared with the 1990 level would damage the economic viability and security of our energy supplies.
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| Kohlekraftwerk |
Coal-fired power station. Such a thing would challenge the equality of status of the various energy-policy objectives. Instead, a no-regret strategy for energy policy calls for three conditions to be met at the same time as part of a balanced approach, namely a significant reduction in the risks associated with reliance on imports, the introduction of an effective environmental policy and the provision of support for economic growth and the competitiveness of German companies.
And here the focus must be on Europe. Between now and 2020 the European markets will have an increasing impact on developments in Germany. A truly sustainable energy policy will in future give priority to the European and international dimension of energy and climate protection policy. Successes in European harmonisation should take precedence over any further independent national efforts.
Demand management has priority over supply policy. The scenario results also show that there is a broad spread of sensible measures within the context of a policy for frugal and rational energy use that can help meet all three energy objectives. These measures, when adopted as part of a no-regret strategy, therefore have a special role to play in future energy policy.
| The following would be included in any no-regret policy for energy strategy:
1. Rational energy use takes precedence. We therefore need to deploy all rational instruments, including energy taxation, and press ahead in unison on a European level. 2. Energy policy should not concentrate solely on the supply side. For this reason we have to reduce further the energy requirements of our buildings and focus on developing innovation in the transport sector. 3. Technological innovation means making provision for the future. We must therefore also direct our research and development efforts and product launches increasingly towards the competitive environment of an ever-changing marketplace. 4. Market forces should be used as part of a forward-looking policy. We therefore need to forge ahead consistently with market deregulation and maintain the quality of our infrastructure. 5. Germany’s energy base needs a reliable regulatory framework. We therefore need to create favourable investment conditions in Germany and ensure international equality of opportunity for German companies. 6. Lignite and coal are essential for electricity generation, for they reduce our dependence on imports. We therefore need to improve power-plant efficiency, protect the German coal industry and reject attempts to sacrifice lignite on the environmental altar. 7. Intensive bilateral and multilateral international collaboration is vital for the energy policy of the future. We must therefore make more use of international forums and provide greater support for the overseas activities of German companies. 8. CO2 reduction targets can only be achieved by working together. We therefore need to “export” Germany’s expertise as a global leader in emissions-reduction technology and make use of the flexible instruments of the Kyoto Protocol. 9. When making energy policy decisions we must not lose sight of the investment cycle. We therefore have to pay appropriate attention to the time factor when introducing and shaping our political measures. |
Source: Federal Ministry of Economic and Labour, 10.06.2004
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