Investment security pays off - broad public acceptance
Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen has welcomed the fact that the share of renewable energies in electricity supply crossed the 20 percent mark during the first six months of 2011. He considers this a tangible proof that this a sustainable way to supply energy in the future. "The solid growth of renewable energies is a great success and confirms the German government's energy policy. We have been resolutely and reliably supporting renewable energies for almost a year now. The investment security this entails is now paying off. Current economic figures of the energy industry and the latest surveys among electricity consumers show that we were able to bring home the message to both investors and public. Investments in renewable energies are safe, and they are investments in an energy supply with a future", said Mr Röttgen.
Current investments in the expansion of renewable energies are proof that by now renewable energies have become a stable and soundly growing source of energy. Mr Röttgen noted: "Especially the many different forms and technological possibilities of generating energy from renewable sources have placed German companies at the spearhead of this development." By adopting the amended Renewable Energy Sources Act before the summer recess, the German government underlined its firm commitment to continuing the expansion and increased integration of renewable energies into energy systems and markets.
A simultaneously published study on the acceptance of renewable energies also affirms the Environment Minister's course. "The public backs the transformation of our energy system and people are willing to bear the costs. We are delighted by the confirmation and endorsement of our energy policy for growth that is shown by the fact that 94 percent of the people surveyed consider a further expansion of renewable energies important and almost 80 percent believe the EEG surcharge is appropriate", commented Mr Röttgen.