Germany has unveiled a plan to eliminate coal, oil and gas from its energy system by 2045, pressing ahead with its green transition despite mounting concerns over energy costs and economic weakness.
The roadmap marks the first time Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government has explicitly committed to ending fossil-fuel use altogether, rather than relying on the broader goal of carbon neutrality. Under the plan, renewable sources such as wind and solar would provide 80% of Germany’s electricity by 2030, up from around 55%, while methane emissions would be cut by 30% over the same period.
The announcement comes as Germany continues to grapple with the consequences of abandoning Russian pipeline gas following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, compounded by disruption to global energy supplies linked to the war involving Iran. Germany’s economy contracted in 2023 and 2024 before recording only 0.2% growth in 2025, while major manufacturers including BASF, Bosch and Volkswagen have announced factory closures or substantial job reductions.
Environment Minister Carsten Schneider told the UN General Assembly that the 2045 target was achievable and would combine energy independence, affordability and climate protection. Critics, however, have questioned the policy’s economic impact, with Greenpeace arguing that government measures remain inconsistent with its climate ambitions, while the Alternative for Germany has warned that rising fuel and energy costs could place further pressure on households and businesses.
