Germany has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2020 and by 80-85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. In order to achieve such a goal, Germany plans to transform its electricity supply system to a wholly renewables based electricity. The potential for reducing emissions in the electricity sector is very high, considering the energy sector holds a key function regarding GHG emissions by currently causing more than 80 % of the emissions in Germany and within this sector the electricity supply is responsible for about 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions. Provided a highly efficient use of electricity and energy conversion, as well as an energy supply system that is completely based on renewable energies, it will be possible to reach a level of nearly zero GHG emissions. This drastic transformation aims for economic benefit, the security of supply of energy as well as environmental benefit.

According to German Advisory Council on the Environment (Sachverständigenrat für Umweltfragen, SRU) the conversion of the electricity supply system towards the use of 100% renewable energies by 2050 is possible; these technologies include renewable energy such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energy, nuclear power, and fossil fuel power generation using carbon capture and storage technology.