Germany must cut energy use by 20-25pc to hit 2030 goals

Germany faces a gigantic task to achieve the climate protection goals it has set itself, Climate Minister Robert Habeck said on Tuesday, unveiling a report that showed it would have to cut its energy use by up to a quarter in the next eight years.

The new coalition government, which includes Habeck's Green party, is trying to reduce fossil fuel use in Europe's biggest economy without overburdening consumers, not least the households whose energy costs have been rising for months owing to record gas prices.

In order to hit its target of cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to 65 per cent of 1990 levels by the start of the next decade, Germany will have to reduce energy consumption by 20-25 per cent, a report from Habeck's ministry said.

"The task is big. It's gigantic," he told a news conference.