Energy efficiency

A vacation trip is the perfect time to reduce energy consumption. This is the conclusion reached by the energy advice service of the consumer advice center. It suggests a number of measures to identify energy guzzlers at home and save money. One strategy is to only switch on appliances when they are needed. Otherwise, care should be taken to ensure that the appliances are actually...

The Wind Energy Competence Center at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Braunschweig was recently opened by Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck. It houses a system that can measure the immense torques that occur in offshore wind turbines in particular with extreme precision. The newly developed "torque standard measuring device" is capable of measuring various...

Plants operated by citizen energy companies receive remuneration for feeding electricity into the public grid without a tendering process. In addition, subsidies of up to 200,000 euros can be claimed for the planning of wind turbines. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) points this out in the brochure "Renewable energies for your...

The Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv) has reacted to the European Commission's draft law on the implementation of a right to repair and rejects its current form. The draft, which envisages an obligation for manufacturers to repair products, would also restrict the consumer's right to choose in the event of a defective product. According to the European proposals...

If it is too hot in the apartment or house in summer, classic heat protection strategies can be used to cool it down, according to energy advice from the consumer advice center. These heat protection strategies include ventilation at night, the use of natural shade and the use of external heat protection on windows, such as blinds or shutters. Air conditioning and fans...

The Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv) is calling for more intensive financial support for low-income households in the heating transition. The vzbv criticizes the fact that the planned state funding for the replacement of outdated heating systems by the federal government is inadequate. This position is supported in an updated statement on the proposed amendment to the...

The Federal Cabinet has passed an amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). This is intended to drive forward the development of a hydrogen core network in Germany. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Robert Habeck emphasizes: "Our goal is to quickly ramp up the hydrogen market in order to further promote the decarbonization of economic sectors with high greenhouse gas emissions...

Quarter-axis wind turbines produced using a 3D printer are set to serve as a sustainable energy source for schools in the future. The Constructor University in Bremen-Nord is currently working on a corresponding research project together with the district of Friesland. The quarter-axis wind turbines are being produced using an industrial Delta 3D printer at the university. Afterwards...

An amendment to the law can significantly accelerate the spread of digital electricity meters - known as smart meters - in Germany. These advanced metering systems are to be used across the board in households and companies by 2032. The law ensures legal certainty for the rapid installation of smart meters, responds to criticism from the Federal Council and...

Thanks to the new version of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), operators of home photovoltaic systems have benefited from more favorable conditions since the beginning of the year. This is the opinion of the energy advice service of the consumer advice center. Funding has been extended, remuneration rates increased and bureaucratic obstacles and taxes reduced. These changes particularly affect systems with a...