For the first time the half of total electricity consumed by Luxembourg households is generated from renewable sources Pexels

For the first time the half of total electricity consumed by Luxembourg households is generated from renewable sources Pexels

For the first time, half of total electricity consumed by households is generated from renewable sources such as wind, photovoltaic and biogas.

The information was revealed in a press conference by secretary of state for economy Francine Closener on Wednesday 14 September.

She explained that there were 6,500 photovoltaic installations in the country, which contributed to just over a fifth of the total renewable energy generated by the country.

Much of the progress in this area has been made in the past three years, when 1,713 photovoltaic panels were installed, generating 25,000 kW. This represents the equivalent of the electricity consumption of 25,000 people per year. From 2014 to 2017, the state gave out €10m Euro in subsidies.

But more must be done.

By 2020, the plan is to ensure that 11% of the country’s total electricity comes from renewable sources. Of that figure, 4% should be generated within the country and 2% from within the EU. Currently, renewable energy accounts for just 7% of the total electricity used in Luxembourg.

To ensure Luxembourg achieves this goal, the economy ministry has rolled out a raft of new measures aimed at promoting photovoltaic electricity generation.

Among them will be new finance opportunities for installations to all energy producers (excluding the state) and the introduction of an injection tariff for installations producing fewer than 30kW.

Financial incentives

For installations of 0-30kW, individuals, companies, cooperatives and communes may apply for a grant equivalent to 20% of their investment cost.

Feed in tariffs include:

Connection in 2017: €0,169/kWh (for 15 years)
Connection in 2018: €0,145/kWh (for 15 years)
Connection in 2019: €0,121/kWh (for 15 years)

For installations of 30-200 kW

Cooperatives and civil companies of at least seven people are not eligible for investment subsidies. The injection tariffs vary depending on the thresholds.

For installations of 30-100kW

Connection in 2017: €0,1504 /kWh (for 15 years)
Connection in 2018: €0,1408 /kWh (for 15 years)
Connection in 2019: €0,1312 /kWh (for 15 years)

100-200 kW:

Connection in 2017: €0,1438 /kWh (for 15 years)
Connection in 2018: €0,1346 /kWh (for 15 years)
Connection in 2019: €0,1255 /kWh (for 15 years)

Raising awareness

In addition to these financial incentives, the government launched an awareness raising campaign to get people behind the transition to sustainable energy, as enshrined in the Third Industrial Revolution strategy announced in 2016.

“Solar, our commitment to clean energy”, is the campaign slogan. To find out how you can install photovoltaic panels at your home or place or work, visit www.cleversolar.lu