At the start of the new CO 2 price on fuel, heating oil and natural gas from January, Federal Environment Minister Svenja Schulze is relying on the signaling effect of the instrument – even if prices initially rise a little. “The CO 2 price sends a very clear signal, namely that emitting CO 2 will be reliably more expensive compared to climate-friendly alternatives,” said the SPD politician opposite dpa. “That influences investment decisions.”

Schulze focuses on avoiding consumption The entire society in Germany will be involved, said Schulze. “We want old oil heating systems to be replaced, so that renewable energies are used. The CO 2 price will help to accelerate this development.” The state did not want to raise any additional money: “We are counting on the citizens switching to climate-friendly alternatives and therefore not having to pay the CO 2 price in the first place.”

EU-wide there is already trading in CO 2 pollution rights, emissions trading. The energy sector and parts of industry have to provide evidence of a certificate for every ton of greenhouse gases for which they are responsible – the certificates are sometimes distributed, and sometimes their price is determined by supply and demand. From January onwards there will be such a system in Germany for the marketing of diesel fuel, gasoline, heating oil and natural gas. In the first few years, the certificates are available at a slowly increasing fixed price, so that they act like a tax. 2021 it is 25 euros per ton, that increases the price of oil and diesel by around 8 cents per liter, gasoline by 7 cents and natural gas by 0.6 cents per kilowatt hour.

The Build price on the market The price rises from year to year, at some point it should also build up on the market – as far as possible across the EU, but whether that will work is open. “The federal government has already created a discharge,” emphasized Schulze. This is to be done through subsidies from tax money for the price of electricity, an increase in housing benefits and a higher commuter allowance. “But we still have to make progress with the relief,” said Schulze, referring to the distribution of the rising heating costs between landlords and tenants.

building and traffic are the largest CO 2 – issuers The SPD-led ministries for the environment, finance and justice have suggested that landlords may pass on half of the additional costs to their tenants and have to pay the rest themselves. Because it is the tenants who turn the heating up or down – but the landlords decide whether there is an old oil heating system in the basement or a modern, climate-friendly heating system that saves money. “We have made a proposal, the Union has to go along now,” said Schulze. “I am confident that the Union does not want to leave the tenants alone with this important question.”

Annual greenhouse gas Budgets In addition to the CO 2 price applies 2021 also for the first time the new Climate Protection Act, which prescribes annual greenhouse gas budgets in areas such as transport and agriculture. Those who do not adhere to these have to readjust, the responsible ministers have to present immediate programs.

“The exact emission dates will come in March,” explained Schulze. “After that, the new expert council will look at it thoroughly, but also quickly.” The areas of traffic and buildings / heating are actually considered to be particularly problem children. However, energy consumption has fallen sharply due to the corona crisis 2020. So it is conceivable that the results will be unexpectedly good. (fpi)