The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) is urging the federal government to revise the planned reforms to the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) scheduled for this week. The Chamber demands that the fixed energy consumption ceiling for both companies and private citizens be eliminated starting in 2030.
DIHK President Peter Adrian told the “Bild” newspaper that retaining this “rigid target” would necessitate a nearly nine percent decline in the Gross Domestic Product. He warned that sticking to this strict objective jeopardizes the competitiveness of Germany as an industrial location and risks national prosperity. According to Adrian, this would mean Germany’s economic output would have to shrink by almost nine percent compared to 2024 by 2030.
The EnEfG was originally passed in 2023, setting a maximum end-energy consumption level of 1,867 Terawatt hours for Germany in 2030. Currently, annual consumption stands around 2,100 Terawatt hours. While Adrian argued that efficient energy use is “in the inherent interest” of businesses-noting that average energy efficiency has steadily increased by 1.7 percent each year-a study conducted internally by the DIHK, cited by the “Bild” shows that achieving the 2030 target would require energy efficiency to rise by 3.3 percent annually starting immediately, a feat they claim is unattainable.
Adrian added that given the economy is already “significantly weakened” after three years of stagnation and recession, the government should not continuously place obstacles in its path. Instead of relying on “rigid energy-saving goals” he stated that effective climate policy should reliably facilitate the sector’s transformation by providing incentives, predictability, and practical regulations for businesses.
