New heating systems are more efficient and come with better labelling

Summer is drawing to a close, and soon we will have to fire up our central heating systems again. On 26 September 2015, a new EU directive on energy labelling and ecodesign requirements for new space heaters and water heaters entered into force. The tried and tested EU efficiency label ensures transparency for consumers.

This is how Germans heat their homes

As we can see from the heating systems installed in new homes, the heating market is currently experiencing a dynamic development. In the last few years, heat pumps and district heating systems have been used more and more. The latest statistics from the Working Group on Energy Balances confirm this trend.

Federal Network Agency confirms grid development plans for 2014

Against the backdrop of a rising share of renewables in Germany’s energy mix, we need to further expand the electricity grid to ensure a secure electricity supply into the future. On 4 September, the Federal Network Agency, confirmed that 5,800 kilometres of new power cables have to be installed by 2024.

Offshore wind power in Germany set to triple in 2015

Following last year’s reform of the Renewable Energy Sources Act and the improvements made to the investment and operating framework, the number of offshore wind farms has seen a steep rise. To find out where exactly wind power is being harvested in Germany, please see the Ministry’s interactive maps, which are now available on the website.

‘Public dialogue on grids’ picking up speed

This autumn, there will be a whole host of events taking place under the umbrella of the 'public dialogue on grids', with six citizens’ conferences taking place this month alone. The public are invited to use this opportunity to discuss key issues related to grid expansion. Furthermore, the mobile Citizens’ Bureau will come to many German city centres, and there will also be a number of opportunities to chat with experts online.

Minister Gabriel on new draft legislation "Parents are held liable for their children"

Who is to be held liable for the costs of decommissioning and dismantling nuclear power plants? This is the question at the heart of the draft legislation for an 'Act on liability for the dismantling and of nuclear power plants and their disposal'. In the first week of September, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy launched the consultation process with the Länder and the relevant associations.

New solar cells set efficiency record

The HELENE research project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has been a real success. The enhanced 'PERC' solar cell can convert 21.7 per cent of the sunlight absorbed into electricity. We explain why taking the lead in international competition also helps boost the German solar industry.

Quote of the week

Half of Germany’s energy consumption comes from heating. However, most of the boilers in Germany are outdated. So transforming our energy system in Germany means changing our boilers at home. People interested in heating their homes in a particularly efficient way, can use the efficiency label for new heaters, which is to be introduced on 26 September, as a guideline. Heat pumps extract energy from the environment or the ground. They are highly efficient and therefore a good choice for consumers.

Karl-Heinz Stawiarski, CEO of the German Heat Pumps Association (BWP).