Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
3.3.7 Combined Heat and Power Act, 2012
The Combined Heat and Power Act (KWKG) aims to promote and increase the
generation of electricity from combined heat and power in the Federal Republic of
Germany to 25 percent by 2020 in order to contribute to the energy conservation
targets, environmental protection and the achievement of climate change objec-
tives of the Federal Government. This act supports the modernisation and con-
struction of combined heat and power plants (CHP), the market introduction of
fuel cells and the funding for the construction and expansion of heating and
cooling systems as well as the construction and extension of heat and cold storage
in the heat or cold CHP plants. Based on this act, a specific amount of money is
paid to system owners for each kWh electricity that is fed into the grid (Bun-
desrepublik Deutschland
2012
).
3.4 Market Instruments Related to Building Refurbishments
In Germany, different kinds of market instruments exist in order to stimulate the
energy efficient transition of the existing building stock in order to achieve energy
savings and climate protection targets. These market instruments work as tools for
promoting and strengthening energy efficiency-related issues in the market (Big-
alke et al.
2012
). A selection of the most important instruments and stakeholders is
described below.
3.4.1 State funded Agencies for the Dissemination of Information
and Awareness Raising
The main objectives are the dissemination of information and the development of
related policies linking the different stakeholders involved in the process.
German Energy Agency (dena)—'Thema Energie'
The 'dena' has diverse functions as a market instrument, especially regarding
the promotion of energy efficient solutions and development of energy alternatives,
through information, consultation and research programmes. It provides infor-
mation for the general public regarding energy-related topics, such as intelligent
energy systems, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, and also, dena
carries out research and analysis programmes and works together with stake-
holders in order to develop projects in the mentioned topics (Lilova
2012
).
For the dissemination of information, dena has created the Internet platform
'Thema Energie' and the 'Energy Hotline'. On the Website, professionals and
customers can find information regarding energy efficiency, renewable energies,
heating and power systems, consultation and funding opportunities, databases and
catalogues. In the 'Energy Hotline', both professionals and homeowners cannot just
find information but also advice regarding the aforementioned topics (dena
2012
).
