Germany faces climate lawsuits amid fossil fuel phase-out roadmap

Germany is facing significant legal and structural pressure regarding its climate protection goals. A third constitutional complaint, known as the ‘Zukunftsklage’ (Future Complaint), has been filed with the Federal Constitutional Court. Supported by Greenpeace and Germanwatch, the lawsuit involves 54,584 plaintiffs seeking stronger climate protections to safeguard fundamental rights.

Simultaneously, the German government is implementing a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels by 2045, with a target to end coal-fired power by 2038. The transition includes expanding renewable energy, which currently accounts for approximately 55% of gross electricity consumption, with a goal to reach at least 80% by 2030.

In the heating sector, heat pump sales exceeded gas central heating systems for the first time in 2025. The transport sector is also shifting toward electrification, with battery electric vehicles making up roughly 32% of new passenger car registrations in August 2026. The government is also focusing on hydrogen-ready power plants to ensure supply security during the decarbonization process.