Deutsche Umwelthilfe questions efficacy of German green gas mandate
Environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe has criticized the German government's proposal for a green gas quota, citing lack of stringency and potential for failure.
The German government has outlined a plan to mandate the blending of 'green gases' into the natural gas supply starting in 2028. Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has publicly opposed the proposal, arguing that the policy lacks the necessary regulatory teeth to achieve meaningful climate targets.
The organization specifically criticizes the flexibility built into the draft, which allows gas suppliers to roll over any unmet quotas to subsequent years. According to DUH, the government has failed to demonstrate how it will secure the volume of green gases required or how it intends to monitor compliance, particularly regarding imports. Barbara Metz, CEO of DUH, labeled the plan 'toothless,' suggesting it serves the interests of the gas industry rather than environmental goals.
DUH further warned that the reliance on green gases may drive up heating costs for tenants, who have limited control over their energy infrastructure. The group is calling for an end to new oil and gas heater installations, arguing that limited supplies of renewable gas should be prioritized for industrial sectors where electrification is not yet feasible.