Germany moves to end feed‑in tariffs with new Renewable Energy Act

Germany’s government is close to approving a revision of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) that would terminate the fixed feed‑in remuneration for private solar installations after 2027. SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch said a decision is expected by the end of the year, with a cabinet vote anticipated in the summer and parliamentary debate to follow in the autumn before EU approval is required. The proposal, originally introduced by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, has been revised after criticism from coalition partners and aims to replace the guaranteed payments with alternative support mechanisms. The debate also touches on the role of long‑term land‑lease contracts, which Miersch labeled as benefiting “so‑called ‘Sofabauern’” who profit from high remuneration rates, prompting calls for stricter rules to ensure fair distribution of renewable‑energy revenues among investors, landowners, municipalities and consumers.