Germany pledges to phase out fossil fuels for first time with target of 2045

Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, has announced a new roadmap that for the first time sets an explicit target to phase out fossil fuels by 2045. The plan, published on Wednesday, marks a notable shift away from oil and gas, according to campaigners, who say it goes beyond earlier commitments that focused only on achieving carbon neutrality. The government’s language now speaks of a "transitioning away" from fossil fuels, signalling a more concrete timeline. The proposal has sparked fierce debate within the country over the pace and scope of green policies, with some critics questioning the economic impact while supporters argue it aligns Germany with broader climate goals. The roadmap does not introduce new numerical targets beyond the 2045 deadline, but it formalises a policy direction that had previously been expressed only in broader neutrality terms. What to watch: how the 2045 phase‑out timeline is integrated into energy legislation and industry planning.

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This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: Guardian Environment