German CO2 emissions down 8.7% in 2020, climate target met: ministry

London — Germany's 2020 emissions fell 8.7% on the year at 739 million mt CO2e, the environment ministry said March 16 based on preliminary data by UBA.

The annual decline of 70 million mt was the largest since German unification in 1990.

German Environment Minister Svenja Schulze said 2020 was the third year in a row with a sharp decline in emissions. Only a third of the 2020 decline was due to the coronavirus pandemic, with transport most impacted by lockdown measures.

Climate policy measures were having an impact, especially in the energy sector, amid the phase-out of coal, the minister said.

Higher EU climate targets for 2030 may require doubling the speed of wind and solar expansion, she added.

"Germany has achieved its 2020 climate target," Economy and Energy Minister Peter Altmaier said.

However, the 2020 target would have been missed without coronavirus lockdowns, according to UBA president Dirk Messner.

Compared to 1990, 2020 emissions dropped 40.8%.

Sector targets

The power sector contributed the most with 2020 emissions down 38 million mt, or 14.5%, at 221 million mt.

Emissions from coal- and lignite-fired power plants alone fell 36 million mt in 2020.

By law, power sector emissions cannot be higher than 257 million mt in 2023 and 175 million mt in 2030.

The key reason for the 2020 decline were rising CO2 prices averaging Eur25/mt, the ministry said.

CO2 prices traded above Eur43/mt for the first time March 15, exchange data showed.

Rising renewables and a 4% demand decline further limited demand for coal and lignite in 2020.

The transport sector emissions fell 19 million mt, or 11.4%, on the year at 146 million mt -- also within target -- after lagging behind for many years. That was mainly due to reduced mobility during lockdowns.

Only 2 million mt of emission cuts were due to new low-emissions or electric vehicles, it added.

A 60% plunge for domestic aviation reduced emissions by around 1 million mt.

Industry emissions fell 5% at 178 million mt, also below sector targets.

Buildings emissions fell only 3%, remaining above target, with higher household emissions offsetting a drop for commercial and public buildings.

The preliminary data will now be verified by a council of experts, with final 2020 data to be published in January 2022.

German GHG emissions:

(million mt CO2e)

Source: UBA

* sector targets