The planned production volume of oil, gas and coal by 2030 is more than twice as high as would be compatible with the 1.5 °C target.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
Crude oil plays an important role in Germany and is one of the world's most important sources of energy. However, the use of crude oil is increasingly being criticized, particularly because of its impact on the climate and environment. Read all the news on crude oil in Germany, the challenges of extraction and the role of the raw material in the energy transition from the Table.Briefings editorial team. Crude oil in Germany: a review Crude oil in Germany is mainly imported from Russia, Norway and the UK. Although Germany is one of the largest consumers of crude oil in Europe, it only has limited reserves of its own. According to the Bundesverband Erdgas, Erdöl und Geoenergie e.V., around 1.6 million tons of crude oil were produced in Germany in 2023, which only covers a fraction of the national demand. Crude oil: Germany's climate targets The combustion of crude oil in Germany contributes significantly to the release of greenhouse gases. These emissions are a major factor in climate change, which leads to global temperature increases and extreme weather events. The German government has therefore set itself ambitious climate targets to drastically reduce CO₂ emissions. Germany is to become climate-neutral by 2045. Challenges in the production of crude oil in Germany The production of crude oil in Germany faces several challenges. On the one hand, domestic oil reserves are limited and production volumes are declining. Secondly, oil production is associated with considerable environmental risks. Drilling can contaminate groundwater and soil, and oil spills have devastating consequences for the environment. Rising costs and technical challenges associated with extraction in ever deeper and less accessible layers make the situation even more difficult. Oil: Germany and the energy transition Oil plays a central role in Germany, but the aim of the energy transition is to increase the share of renewable energies in total energy consumption and reduce dependence on fossil fuels such as oil. Measures such as the promotion of electromobility, the expansion of wind and solar energy and the increase in energy efficiency are of great importance here. Despite these efforts, crude oil is currently still indispensable, particularly in the transport sector and in the chemical industry. Crude oil in Germany: future prospects The future use of crude oil in Germany depends to a large extent on the development of alternative energy sources and technologies. Crude oil in Germany: political and economic framework conditions The future of crude oil in Germany is largely determined by politics. International politics also plays a key role. Germany is part of global agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement, which includes commitments to reduce CO₂ emissions. These international commitments influence national political decisions and provide further incentives to reduce the consumption of crude oil in Germany. The economic dimension is just as complex. The oil industry contributes significantly to the German economy, not only through direct employment, but also through its links to other sectors such as the chemical industry and transportation. The challenges posed by a potential shift away from oil require comprehensive economic policy strategies to mitigate any negative impact on the economy. These include investing in training and retraining of the workforce and promoting research and development in renewable energy and alternative fuels. Ultimately, shaping the future of oil in Germany requires close cooperation between politics, business and society. The importance of crude oil for the energy supply in Germany will continue to exist in the coming years, but will decline. The challenge of climate change, limited domestic resources and the political requirements to reduce CO₂ emissions require a reorientation of energy policy. The energy transition offers the opportunity to reduce dependence on oil and switch to more sustainable energy sources. Germany is faced with the task of finding a balance between economic interests, environmental and climate protection and technological innovation. The promotion of renewable energies, the improvement of energy efficiency and the development of alternative fuels are decisive steps on this path. The future of energy supply in Germany will be characterized by profound change. Oil in Germany must increasingly be replaced by more environmentally friendly alternatives in order to achieve climate targets and ensure sustainable development. The Table.Briefings editorial team reports on the future of alternative fuels and dependence on oil and has all the analysis, background information and news on oil in Germany.
