This Roadmap outlines Germany's commitment to transition away from fossil fuels no later than 2045. It was developed in the context of the Paris Agreement, Decision 1/CMA.5 of the first Global Stocktake, which calls for a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to reach net zero by 2050, and European Union commitments, including the binding 90% emissions reduction target for 2040 under the European Climate Law. It is anchored in the Federal Climate Action Act, which sets legally binding reductions of at least 65% by 2030 and 88% by 2040 and net greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045, and in the 2026 Climate Action Programme, whose 67 measures underpin the sectoral strategies. These cover energy, transport, buildings and industry, supported by carbon pricing, research and innovation, social measures and international cooperation.
The Roadmap sets out how Germany will reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels through the rapid expansion of renewables (at least 80% of electricity by 2030), electrification, and the use of climate-neutral fuels where direct electrification is not yet viable. It confirms the legal phase-out of coal-fired power generation by 2038, with 2035 under consideration. It also provides for hydrogen-ready gas plants operating climate-neutrally by 2045, a switch to climate-neutral heating fuels from 2045, and EU emissions trading covering about 85% of national emissions. Internationally, Germany supports the transition through the Powering Past Coal Alliance, Just Energy Transition Partnerships, bilateral energy partnerships and €11.8 billion in climate finance in 2024. The Roadmap does not set separate end dates for oil and gas, and it recognises that fossil fuels will remain in use during a transitional period

Germany's Roadmap for Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels

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Policy instruments are techniques or tools used by governing authorities to promote certain policies in order to achieve predetermined goals. Put simply, instruments are how a government tries to achieve its goals, with this taxonomy being focused on national policy instruments.

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Renewable energy means all forms of energy produced from renewable sources in a sustainable manner.

Fossil fuel is a generic term for non-renewable energy sources such as coal, fossil gas, and oil (including crude oil, and petroleum products), that can be used for electricity and heat generation. Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons formed from pressurised and heated organic material buried over millions of years.

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A ban is a legal action that prevents the sale or supply of a product or service, or that recalls a product from the market. Examples are bans on SF6, greenwashing, fossil fuel advertisement or single-use plastics.

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Actions to reduce emissions in energy generation and supply.

Germany's Roadmap for Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels

Target

Policy instrument

Impacted group

Climate justice

Fossil fuel

Adaptation/resilience