Germany Sets 2045 Fossil Fuel Exit, Joining France and Netherlands in European Transition

Key points

• Germany’s environment ministry unveiled a roadmap on September 23, 2026, committing to end fossil fuel reliance by 2045.
• The plan includes increasing renewable electricity from 55% to 80% by 2030, with 215GW of solar and 12GW of additional onshore wind capacity.
• Coal phase-out is targeted for 2038, with a potential earlier exit by 2035, while methane emissions are set to drop by 30% by 2030.
• France previously pledged to end oil and gas reliance by 2050, and the Netherlands released a plan without a binding end date.
• Experts note that while the roadmap is a starting point, it lacks the speed and justice required for a true transition, and Germany’s economic ministry continues to support gas use.

Background

This development follows a period of heightened energy insecurity in Europe, including recent jet-fuel shortages and record-high diesel prices linked to geopolitical disruptions. Germany’s move aligns with broader international pressure from the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Summit, where leaders urged nations to adopt formal phase-out plans. The timing also coincides with debates at the COP30 talks in Belém, where fossil fuel transition was a contentious issue, and the upcoming G20 presidency of the UK, where energy costs are expected to be a key topic.

How outlets are covering it

Euronews highlights the strategic importance of Germany’s move as Europe’s largest economy, emphasizing the link between fossil fuel dependence and geopolitical instability, such as the war in Iran. The Guardian focuses on the internal political tensions, noting that Germany’s economic ministry is still pushing for greater gas use, which critics say sabotages the transition. Both sources agree that the roadmap is a significant step but insufficient, with The Guardian pointing out that the UK has yet to publish its own pledge. Euronews notes that the three countries involved represent 46% of EU GDP, while The Guardian emphasizes the need for faster electrification of transport and heating to make the transition effective.

Why it matters

Germany’s decision to set a 2045 fossil fuel exit date marks a pivotal moment for European energy policy, signaling a shift from carbon neutrality to explicit fossil fuel reduction. The move could influence other nations, including the UK, to adopt similar plans, and may reshape global energy markets by reducing dependence on volatile imports. However, the effectiveness of the transition depends on implementation, particularly in electrifying transport and heating, and overcoming internal political resistance. The roadmap also highlights the tension between climate goals and economic interests, as Germany’s economic ministry continues to support gas use, potentially undermining the transition.

What to watch

Germany will need to implement its roadmap, including ramping up renewable energy and electrifying transport and heating. The success of the transition will depend on overcoming internal political resistance and ensuring that the economic ministry does not sabotage the phase-out. Other nations, including the UK, may follow suit, and the upcoming G20 presidency of the UK could further push for fossil fuel phase-out plans. The effectiveness of the roadmap will also be tested by its ability to reduce methane emissions and achieve its 2030 targets.