{
  "id": 9463983,
  "title": "Germany sets out plan to phase out fossil fuels by 2045",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/germany-sets-out-plan-to-phase-out-fossil-fuels-by-2045-9463983",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T01:37:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW English (Top Stories)",
    "slug": "dw-english-top-stories",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/germany-sets-out-plan-to-phase-out-fossil-fuels-by-2045/a-79404028?maca=en-rss-en-top-1022-xml-mrss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Germany has unveiled a comprehensive plan to eliminate fossil fuels by 2045, according to Environment Minister Carsten Schneider. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, the German official emphasized that this strategy aims to ensure energy independence, affordability, and environmental protection. The nation, Europe's largest economy, has now joined a select group of countries committed to such a transition, following France and the Netherlands, as over 190 nations pledged similar goals at the 2023 COP28 climate conference in Dubai.\n\nSchneider cited the ongoing Iran war and its effects on global fuel supplies as the impetus behind Germany's decision. He highlighted the unprecedented weather events taking place worldwide, underscoring the urgency of climate action. He expressed confidence that the 19-year deadline for the fossil fuel phaseout is attainable, stating, \"Our roadmap is intended to set an international example... I am sure that many other countries will follow.\"\n\nCurrently, fossil fuels contribute to 65% of Germany's energy consumption, with 98% of its oil and 95% of its natural gas being imported, costing €76 billion annually. The minister noted a significant increase in these figures since the Iran war escalated. Several environmental groups have commended Germany's new policy, although some pointed out potential contradictions with recent government actions. Greenpeace's energy expert, Mira Jäger, acknowledged that the roadmap represents progress in international climate policy but criticized ongoing subsidies for the oil industry, the stalling of renewable energy expansion, and the slow shift towards green heating solutions.\n\nFentje Jacobsen, a climate policy advisor at the World Wide Fund for Nature, noted that the roadmap largely relies on existing initiatives without introducing new ambitions. She also observed that the current government is shifting towards a greater reliance on gas and plans to maintain a stronger role for combustion-engine vehicles, conflicting with the announced fossil fuel phaseout. Energy Minister Katherina Reiche, a member of the conservative Christian Democrats, has advocated for building new gas-fired power plants, arguing they can stabilize the electricity grid, despite renewable sources like wind and solar being intermittent. Reiche has also backed the continued use of alternative-fuel combustion-engine vehicles, a stance that diverges from the government's phaseout plan, which aims to have battery-electric cars make up 100% of new passenger car registrations by 2035. The German automotive sector, a significant economic pillar, has faced challenges, and these shifts in energy policy could further impact the broader economy.",
  "summary": "Germany sets out a plan to phase out coal, oil and gas by 2045, reaffirming a climate strategy focused on electrification.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "Germany sets out plan to phase out fossil fuels by 2045",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/germany-sets-out-plan-to-phase-out-fossil-fuels-by-2045",
        "published": "2026-09-24T01:37:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}