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Promotion of climate-friendly exports

Global climate change is one of the biggest challenges that lie ahead in the coming years. The Federal Government supports the further development and transfer of climate-friendly, efficient high-tech products also by means of initiatives in the field of export promotion.

Renewable energy, climate protection and climate change adaptation, and water projects

Renewable energy technologies made in Germany rank among the best in the world. The promotion of exports of such technologies, which are mainly produced by small and medium-sized companies, is of special importance to the Federal Government. In this context maintaining the innovation dynamic for German cutting-edge technology in the field of the utilization of renewables through presence also on foreign markets plays an important role.

With the adoption of the CCSU (Climate Change Sector Understanding) of the OECD Consensus in 2012, exports of climate-friendly technologies were recognised as particularly deserving of promotion. Hence, for example, projects in the area of renewable energy, climate protection and climate change adaptation as well as water projects are supported with particularly long credit periods of up to 18 years. More detailed information is available on the OECD website on Export Credits and in the original text of the CCSU (Annex IV to the OECD Consensus).

A success rate to be proud of

In 2020, exports worth 1,115 million euros relating to various sectors of climate-friendly technologies received Hermes Cover. Thus, the volume increased by 4,2% compared with the previous year. The majority of the projects supported related to wind power. In addition to several wind farms in Norway, projects in Argentina and the Kosovo were covered.

Strict rules for projects relating to coal-fired power stations

On 27.11.2015 the members of the OECD agreed on stricter rules for the support of projects relating to coal-fired power generation. The new rules and regulations became effective on 01.01.2017. More detailed information on the agreement can be found in the Summary of the Sector Understanding on Export Credits for Coal-Fired Electricity Generation Projects. More detailed information on the consideration of environmental, social and human rights issues (ESHR) in connection with export credit and untied loan guarantees can be found on the page responsibility.

Extended 49-plus rule within the framework of the Special Renewable Energies Initiative

Cover is available under the Federal Government export credit insurance scheme for transactions in the field of renewable energies that include up to 70 percent foreign-sourced goods or services. Furthermore, the Special Renewable Energies Initiative provides for greater flexibility in financing local costs. 

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Uwe Fitschen
Assessment of environmental, social and human rights issues, climate assessment
Omoniyi Osoba
ESG, Climate strategy & assessment