The State of Bavaria
Government Details
- Government Name
- The State of Bavaria
- Population
- 12.5 million (2010)
- GDP
- €429 billion (2009)
- Sector
- State
Overview
The Free State of Bavaria, located in the South East of Germany, is the country’s largest state in terms of territory, and second-largest in terms of population. It is among the top business locations in Europe, with a per-capita GDP and employment rate well above the German average.
Over the past decades Bavaria has developed from an agricultural state into a major hub for industries in the automotive, finance and media sectors. 30% of its GDP is made up of a high-tech manufacturing sector, including ICT, life sciences and energy and environmental technologies. 69% of its GDP derives from the tertiary sector, with a major focus on financial and insurance services, trade and tourism.
With more than 3% of the state’s GDP going towards R&D and backed-up by a strong innovation policy - including the systematic promotion of knowledge networks in the Bayern Innovativ cluster initiative - Bavaria is well-placed to take a lead role in the Clean Revolution.
In the Bavarian Climate Programme 2020, the state has committed to reducing its carbon emissions to below six tons per person, and to doubling the share of renewable energy in primary energy consumption to 20% by 2020.
In response to the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011 and Germany's decision to phase out nuclear energy by 2022, in May 2011 Bavaria adopted a new energy strategy based on five key aims:
- Doubling the share of renewable energy in electricity consumption from 25% to 50% and in primary energy consumption from 10% to 20% by 2021
- Accelerating the expansion of the necessary energy infrastructure
- Significant increase of energy savings in the building sector, industry and trade
- Expansion of natural gas infrastructures for an additional potential of about 4,000 megawatts
- Promotion of R&D in new energy technologies, particularly storage technologies.
Current activities
Energy efficiency
The Bavarian Climate Programme 2020 has identified building efficiency as a major priority in energy savings. The state Government supports the programme for energy efficient construction and the refurbishment of existing buildings of the Federal promotional bank KfW Group, and has set aside €150 million to improve the energy efficiency of its own building stock.
The refurbishment of public and ‘social infrastructure’ buildings is supported within the Federal State-Municipal investment pact, with the Bavarian Government covering a third of the cost.
Energy efficiency is also highlighted in the Bavarian Energy Concept as a prerequisite for making the switch to the new energy mix. The Concept document highlights a commitment to reduce heat consumption in buildings by 20% and in industrial processes by 15% within the next ten years, support programs for energy efficient lighting and street lighting, further development of cogeneration installations and an awareness campaign amongst both public and industry.
Renewable energy
The Bavarian Energy Concept foresees doubling the share of renewable energy in electricity consumption from 25% to 50% and in primary energy consumption from 10% to 20% by 2021. This major increase shall be achieved particularly through the expansion of hydropower and wind energy; construction of additional pumped-storage power stations and R&D in storage technologies and expansion of combined heat and power.
Clean transport
The Bavarian Climate Programme 2020 foresees a strong promotion of energy efficient mobility options such as trains, buses, and cycling, as well as walking – given appropriate planning measures. The Federal State supports a dense and well-functioning transport system with €1.25 billion per year.
15 new traffic management systems are planned, predominantly in conglomerations, as well as the provision of additional large-scale variable traffic guidance systems extending across the borders to other federal states and countries.
Additionally the Bavarian Government is intensifying the dialogue with the automobile industry and its suppliers to put stronger emphasis on climate issues, for example, reduction of CO2 emissions of cars and environmental protection.
The state plans to invest €64 million to research electro-mobility, with a strong collaboration with the automotive industry in order to bring 200,000 electric cars onto Bavarian roads by 2020.
The Munich region is one of eight German EV model regions promoted by the national government.
Sustainable land use
Bavaria has the largest proportion of woodland in Germany, with about a third of the state covered by forests.
A €22.5 million investment has been made by the EU to transform the region’s vulnerable coniferous forests into more tolerant mixed species forests. Mountain forests are also being reconstructed and maintained.
In agriculture, initiatives are being supported to augment energy-efficiency and reduce GHG emissions. Especially promoted are the expansion of extensive organic farming and the reduction of nitrogen fertilizers.
Waste management
Bavaria recycles over 71% of domestic waste. Three million tons of waste are used for heating fuel, saving 13 million tons of carbon emissions in unburned fossil fuel. This corresponds to a reduction of about one ton of carbon per person per year. Tests are taken of waste, ground, water and air samples to monitor the health of the environment.
Smart cities
The Bavarian research and development support has a strong focus on smart grids and intelligent buildings.
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