Energy policy / European Union

Minister Gabriel welcomes Commission package on energy security

Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel has welcomed the package proposed by the EU Commission on the security of energy supply, but at the same time criticised the statements made on nuclear energy. more

Environmental technologies

German government aims to open up lead markets for environmental technologies

The German government aims to systematically tap the major economic potential of environmental technologies for German industry, and further strengthen the link between instruments of environment and innovation policies. To this end, close dialogue with the companies concerned is planned. more

• Master Plan Environmental Technologies (in German only)

Supply and Disposal

Selection procedure based on international standards necessary for final repository for nuclear waste

Germany's current method of determining a site for a final repository for nuclear waste is out of date under international standards. At the close of the Final Repository Symposium hosted by Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel in Berlin, it was clear that it is now standard practice in our neighbouring countries to conduct reviews of several sites in accordance with previously defined criteria. more

Export initiative

Matthias Machnig: stimulate markets and improve waste management standards abroad

Slowing the growing global scarcity of raw materials and energy, strengthening waste management abroad with technology exports – these were the aims behind the export initiative "Recycling and Efficiency Technologies" (RETech), launched in 2006 by the Federal Environment Ministry (BMU). Initital results were presented today at a BMU conference, and include an internet portal (www.retech-germany.net). more

• Recycling and Efficiency Technologies - Made in Germany
• www.retech-germany.net

Renewable Energies / IRENA

Breakthrough for the expansion of renewable energies

The establishment of an International Renewable Energy Agency can now begin: at a conference in Madrid 51 states laid the foundations and agreed on the text of the Statute. The breakthrough has thus been achieved for the initiative launched by Germany, Spain and Denmark and supported by a number of countries from all continents. more

• www.irena.org

Renewable Energies / Law

Internet database on renewable energy law in the EU now available in English

The Federal Environment Ministry has launched the English version of the Internet database "Legal sources on the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources (RES LEGAL)". It allows interested parties from the political sector, administrations, associations, companies and the scientific sector to research fundamental legal aspects concerning the promotion of and grid access for electricity from renewables from the EU Member States. more

• www.res-legal.eu/en

International

Germany leads in the export of environmental goods

German companies occupy the lead position on the global market for environmental goods. With a share of 16 % in the international trade volume and an export volume of 56 billion euros, in 2006 Germany again ranked at the top of the international trade league, ahead of the United States (15%) and Japan (9%). more

Nuclear power / IAEA

IAEA concludes review of German nuclear regulatory body

Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Tanja Gönner, Environment Minister of Baden-Württemberg, have given a positive assessment of the review of the German nuclear regulatory body carried out by an expert team of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). more

• IRRS Germay 2008: Advance Reference Material (ARM)
• www.bmu.de/english/nuclear_safety