65,000 jobs at risk with slower expansion

24.03.2025

Source: E & M pwoernews

A slower expansion of renewable energies could cost Germany around 65 billion euros in investments by 2030, according to a study commissioned by Green Planet Energy.

A recent short study by the Forum Ökologisch-Soziale Marktwirtschaft (Fös) shows that a slowdown in the expansion of renewable energies would have considerable economic consequences. On behalf of Green Planet Energy, Fös has calculated that a 25 percent reduction in the expansion of renewable energy by 2030 could lead to investment losses of 65 billion euros.

The operation and maintenance of renewable energy systems would then also provide significantly less economic impetus. The industry could also lose up to 65,000 jobs. Carolin Dähling, Head of Policy and Communication at Green Planet Energy, warned: "Slowing down the expansion of renewables not only jeopardizes the climate targets, but also weakens the German economy."

Florian Zerzawy, Head of Energy Policy at Fös, emphasized the importance of renewables as an economic success factor. According to the study, meeting the current EEG expansion targets would trigger investments of over 260 billion euros by 2030. A further 70 billion euros would flow into the economy through the operation and maintenance of the plants. The number of jobs in the sector could rise to 500,000 by then - almost double the figure for 2023.

Green Planet Energy and other green energy suppliers are therefore appealing to the CDU/CSU and SPD in an open letter to consistently continue the energy transition. A step backwards in energy policy would jeopardize Germany's energy independence, climate protection and economic development.

Statements from politicians in the future German government about a "new start" or "change of course" in the energy transition have given cause for concern. The Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) also suggested, for example, that less offshore wind power should be installed than previously planned. "Steps backwards in energy policy jeopardize our energy independence, economy and climate protection," warn the energy companies.

Green Planet Energy is an energy cooperative for green electricity and renewable gases founded in 1999 by the environmental protection organization Greenpeace. Fös has been in existence since 1994 and is a non-partisan political think tank.

The Fös short study is available for download as a PDF.

Author: Susanne Harmsen