Germany`s "Energiewende" – from a union`s point of view - Angelika Thomas

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Germany`s "Energiewende" – from a union`s point of view

Stockholm, 08. November 2013

Angelika Thomas, IG Metall

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IG Metall …

… is an industrial workers union,

… has 2.25 million members,

… in several sectors:

metal and electronic, automobile, iron and steelmaking industry, services and craftwork in the metal sector,

textile- and garment industries and related sectors and services,

wood and plastics processing.

… organises collective agreements for payment and ….conditions of employment.

… supports works councils and union reps in the companies ….and offers them training.

… does political networking on labour market, welfare state ….and industrial policy.

Angelika Thomas, 08. Nov 2013 Germany's "Energiewende" - from a union's point of view

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1. What is "Energiewende" - the transformation of our energy system

2. Intention of IG Metall in "Energiewende"

3. Jobs and decent work in the new sectors

Asshole!


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What is "Energiewende"?

A process towards renewable energy and energy efficiency - reducing fossil energy and phase-out nuclear power.

It leads to a greater share of domestic energy production and reduces dependency on oil and gas imports and their prices.

Climate protection targets can`t be reached without transforming the energy system.

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2011 2020 2030 2040 2050Greenhouse gas emissionsGreenhouse gas emissions (compared to 1990) -26,4% -40% -55% -80% up to -95%renewable energyshare of gross electricity consumption 20,3% at least 35% at least 50% at least 80%efficiencyprimary energy consumption (compared to 2008) -6 -20 -50%trafficnumber of electric cars ca. 6.600 1 Mio. 6. Miohousingprimary energy consumption rate of renovation ca. 1%

up to -80%doubling on 2% per year

Source: Bundesregierung, Ers ter Monitoringbericht "Energie der Zukunft"

Targets of German government


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IG Metall sees opportunities and risks for industry and jobs

"Energiewende" stands for innovation and modernization of our industry.

It means promotion of green technologies.

Investment opportunities and new markets create jobs.

Monitoring the process for a cost efficient energy supply.

Accompanied by industrial policy for different sectors.

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Forecast sales volume, in sectors (in billion Euro)

Car industry

green technology

mechanical engineering

Source: Handelsblatt , *forecast


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Areas of investments in the energy sector

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Up to 2022 approx. € 350 billion investment needed High efficient gas power plants

Renewable energy - wind turbines

Energy efficient buildings

Grid infra-structure for electricity and integration of renewables


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Development of renewable energy

7Angelika Thomas, 08. Nov 2013 Germany's "Energiewende" - from a union's point of view

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Investments in renewable energy sources


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Export share of renewable energy industrial sectors


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Controversial public debates

In general we need to secure a reliable, economically viable and environmentally compatible energy supply.

We need to balance investment opportunities with cost efficiency.

There is a controversial debate about costs but over all a high public acceptance of "Energiewende”.

From IG Metall`s point of view:transforming the energy system should be successful in both, environmental and

industrial terms.

Reform the feed-in tariffs for renewable energies and make it more cost efficient.

Keeping the whole industrial value chain in Germany, therefore give energy intensive

industries competitive energy prices.

Need for a better political management of "Energiewende".


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Employment in Germany`s renewable energy sector


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Skills of employees in renewable energy industries

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Whitout vocational With qualifications With a university degree

Photovoltaics 5.8% 81.7% 34.7%

Hydropower 1.7% 93.8% 57.0%

Wind 0.9% 79.7% 27.1%

Solar thermal 9.5% 80.3% 24.4%

Solar thermal power plants 6.7% 84.8% 44.1%

Deep geothermal 2.1% 85.6% 50.4%

Near-surface geothermal 6.6% 81.1% 15.3%Biogas 2.5% 82.5% 33.1%

Liquid biomass 0.0% 92.2% 57.3%

Solid biomass 3.1% 86.5% 29.7%

RE overall 4.1% 82.2% 32.1%

Manufacturing jobs 22.7% 63.2% 0.6%

Technical jobs 4.0% 88.3% 37.7%

Total 15.0% 69.5% 9.9%

The high proportion of skilled employees is the prominent feature of companies in the renewable energy sector

Quel le: BMU


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Green jobs and decent work

Initial point: New sectors without social regulated working conditions and low income?

IG Metall has started an organizing campaign in the renewable sectors - wind and photovoltaic industry:

Working for membership growth, almost 4.000 new members by 2012 in the wind industry.

Setting up union reps and elect works councils in companies.

Starting bargaining negotiations und win the first collective agreements.


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Thanks for your attention!


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Germany`s "Energiewende" – from a union`s point of view - Angelika Thomas