Offshore wind farms in the North Sea are the main pillars of the Energy Reform
reliance on international imports of crude oil
– is another major task. Industry and large
and natural gas. To date, Germany spends
business enterprises have already achieved
around 80 billion euros annually on the im-
significant savings, and standards are high.
port of coal, oil, and gas. In coming years, this
Small companies and public facilities still
amount will be gradually eliminated by do-
have some catching up to do. Improving the
mestic value added in the field of renewable
energy consumption of old buildings in par-
energies; moreover, these measures result in
ticular is especially important with regard
additional export opportunities and the
to increasing energy efficiency, and the Fed-
prospect of more jobs. Strengthening the
eral Government makes grants available for
“second pillar” of the Energy Reform – the
the purpose. Buildi ngs account for around
more economical, more efficient use of energy
40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions.