According to the German Federal Environment Agency's market analysis of green electricity, green electricity products with such an investment guarantee can theoretically develop a real additional benefit. This is particularly true if the products are used to promote measures for integrating renewable energies into the system. However, the authors believe that the additional benefit can best be achieved abroad or in projects that are not promoted in Germany "for good reasons". Against the background of many years of practical experience, the Grüner Strom Label e.V. (GSL) disagrees on this point.
"Pure trading in green power certificates is not permitted in our certification. In this respect, we welcome the fact that the Federal Environment Agency is taking a close look at the green power market in this respect," says Rosa Hemmers, Chairwoman of GSL e.V. "However, the study is based in the further course on the false assumption that in Germany every necessary measure for the conversion of the energy system is sufficiently promoted. Our experience shows that there are also numerous sensible projects in this country that would not come about in this form without additional funding. Green electricity products with a green electricity label support precisely such projects."
Around 30 million euros flowed into the transformation of the energy supply as part of the Green Electricity certification. More than 1,000 projects across the entire spectrum of renewable energies have been subsidized and co-financed. Currently, the subsidies are not only used for new eco-power plants, but also for measures to integrate renewable energies into the system or to establish regional structures.
"Of course, the impetus from green electricity customers cannot be compared with the effect that the Renewable Energy Sources Act has. This comparison is also absurd. In the EEG, money flows into an investment program that exceeds the subsidy amounts of the voluntary green electricity market many times over. Rightly so, after all, the energy turnaround should be borne by all, as it also benefits the entire national economy," says Rosa Hemmers. "Nevertheless, consumers who purchase green electricity with a Green Electricity label are not settling for certificates from abroad. With their purchase decision, they are providing important additional impetus for the expansion of renewable energies, especially in Germany. In view of the upcoming EEG reform, this applies more than ever."
About Grüner Strom Label e.V.
The Grüner Strom Label e.V. certifies green energy products. The association awards two seals of approval for this purpose: the Green Electricity Label for green electricity with added value and the Green Gas Label for environmentally compatible biogas. The association is backed by seven non-profit environmental and consumer associations and peace organizations. The Green Electricity and Green Gas labels are the only quality seals for green electricity and biogas in Germany that are supported by leading environmental associations.
