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appendices:appendix4_the_national_energy_balance [2022/09/19 09:41] – Add missing comma hausmannappendices:appendix4_the_national_energy_balance [2025/04/29 14:38] (current) – [Uncertainties, time-series consistency and quality assurance in the Energy Balance] tarakji
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 ====== Appendix 4 - The Energy Balance for the Federal Republic of Germany ====== ====== Appendix 4 - The Energy Balance for the Federal Republic of Germany ======
  
-The Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt) is the most important data source for determination of energy data and the key data source for preparation of Energy Balances. The Energy Balances of the Federal Republic of Germany, which are prepared under commission to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), are the central data foundation for determining energy-related emissions.+The basis for determination of energy-related emissions is the Energy Balance of the Federal Republic of Germany, which is prepared by the Working Group on Energy Balances (AG Energiebilanzen – AGEB) under commission to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The most important data source for the Energy Balance is the Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt). The surveys of the Federal Statistical Office that were used are listed in Table 477: Zur Erstellung der Energiebilanzen für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland verwendeten Erhebungen des . Data on renewable energy sources are obtained by the Working Group on Renewable Energy Statistics (Arbeitsgruppe Erneuerbare Energien-Statistik (AGEE-Stat), working under the leadership of the German Environment Agency (UBA), and transferred directly to the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB), for purposes of the Energy Balances. The data involved include provisional data on renewable energy sources, which enter into the estimated Energy Balance and the evaluation tables. 
 +Additional data, supplementing those provided by the aformentioned data sources, are provided by associations of the German energy industry, and by German research institutes. The final Energy Balance includes data from the following associations: Nuclear Technology Germany (KernD); the Federal German association of lignite-producing companies and their affiliated organisations (DEBRIV);  the Federal German association of the energy and water-resources industries (bdew); the Gesamtverband Steinkohle association of the German hard-coal-mining industry (GVSt); and the Fuels and Energy industry association (en2x). In the Federal Republic of Germany, energy statistics are published by numerous other agencies, and their statistics can differ in terms of their presentation, scope, methods and aggregation.
  
-On an annual basis, the associations in the German energy sector, working in co-operation with economic research institutes, and in the framework of the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB), combine the relevant data to form a complete picture. They then make the data available to the public in the form of Energy Balances.+The complete Energy Balances for the years since 1990 are available on the Internet at (AGEB, 2025) [(AGEB2025)].
  
-In the Federal Republic of Germany, energy statistics are published by numerous other agencies, and their statistics can differ in terms of their presentation, scope and aggregation.+The AGEB's website presents a foreword for the Energy Balances (AGEB, 2015) that describes the structure of the Energy Balance. 
 +The overall responsibility for preparation of Energy Balances lies with the AGEB.
  
-The complete Energy Balances for the years since 1990 are available on the Internet at: [[https://ag-energiebilanzen.de]]+In recent years, German experts on energy statistics have expended considerable efforts on the task of minimizing the differences between the provisional and final Energy Balances. In 2020, the Federal Statistical Office obtained the EU grant “improvement of timeliness of energy statistics” from EUROSTAT. In the framework of a dedicated project, this funding is expected to enable the Federal Statistical Office to provide data for year x-1, to the AGEB, as early as August of the relevant year. The pertinent project was launched in 2020, and it includes the statistical offices of the Länder, which are responsible for the concrete surveys involved. Key surveys for the preparation of the Energy Balance and the emissions inventories have been given temporal priority. As a result, the Federal Statistical Office, working on the basis of the data collected by the reference date, and using imputation procedures, was able – in July 2020 – to extrapolate a complete data set for the year 2019. In July 2021, the so-developed methods were used in routine operations for the first time. 
  
-The AGEB's website presents a foreword for the Energy Balances, in German and English, that describes the structure of the Energy Balance. +In October 2021, quality assurance for the methods was carried out by comparing the extrapolated results with the final 2020 survey data. In the 2022 survey year, the resulting methodological improvements made it possible to prepare a considerably improved provisional Energy Balance, now based, for the first time, on extrapolations – the 2021 provisional Energy Balance. The participating institutions coordinated their scheduling for the relevent data flow so carefully that a number of process steps were carried out in the shortest possible time, and the relevant data were made available for inventory preparation in reporting year 2023.
-The members of the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) include (as of: November 2016): +
-  * Bundesverband der deutschen Energie- and Wasserwirtschaft e.V. ([[https://www.bdew.de/kontakt/|BDEW]]) (Association of the German Energy and Water Industry), Berlin +
-  * Deutscher Braunkohlen-Industrie-Verein e.V. ([[https://braunkohle.de/kontakt/impressum/|DEBRIV]]) (Federal German association of ligniteproducing companies and their affiliated organisations), Cologne, +
-  * Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW) (German Institute for Economic Research), Berlin, +
-  * EEFA GmbH, Munster Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne (EWI), Cologne, +
-  * Gesamtverband Steinkohle ([[https://gvst.de/kontakt/|GVSt]]) association of the German hard-coal-mining industry, Herne, +
-  * Wirtschaftsverband Fuels Bund Energie e.V.([[https://en2x.de/impressum/|en2x]]) (Business Association Fuels and Energy e.V.), Berlin, Successor of the German Mineral Oil Industry Association (Mineralölwirtschaftsverband), +
-  * Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (RWI) (Rhine-Westphalian Institute for Economic Research), Essen, +
-  * Verein der Kohlenimporteure e.V. (German Coal Importer Association), Hamburg, and +
-  * Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg ([[https://www.zsw-bw.de/en/footer/legal-information.html|ZSW]]), Stuttgart.+
  
-The work of the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) is also supported by the Energieeffizienzverband für Wärme, Kälte und KWK e.V., Association for energy efficiency in heating, cooling and CHP systems ([[https://www.agfw.de/impressum/|AGFW]]) and the Association of Industrial Energy and Power Producers (VIK).  +==== Structure of the Energy Balances ====
-Since the 1994 balance year, overall responsibility for preparation of Energy Balances has lain with the German Institute of Economic Research (DIW; Berlin); since 2002, the DIW has carried out relevant work in co-operation with EEFA (Energy Environment Forecast Analysis GmbH) and (until 2016) with Mr. Rossbach (formerly with the Association of the German Petroleum Industry (MWV), who serves as a consultant for the section on petroleum.+
  
-Official statistics are the most important source. The final Energy Balance continues to include data of the following associations:  +Via a matrix structure, each Energy Balance presents an overview of production, transformation and use of energy sources / fuels throughout a defined period. In the Energy Balance of the Federal Republic of Germany, energy flows are shown for a total of 30 energy sources / fuels (groups). The production balance shows 
-  * German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) +  * domestic production, 
-  * German Atomic Forum ([[https://www.kernd.de/kernd-en/about-us/datf/|DATF]]) +  * imports, 
-  * Gesamtverband Steinkohle association of the German hard-coal-mining industry (GVSt) +  * removals from stocks, 
-  * DEBRIV Federal German association of lignite-producing companies and their affiliated organisations +  * exports, 
-  * Association of the German Petroleum Industry (MWV) +  * international marine bunkers, and 
-  +  * additions to stocks, 
-In addition, for the period until 2011, figures on wood consumption in the residential sector were obtained from GfK-Rheinbraun data that +of energy resources, and it summarises them under primary energy consumption. The primary Energy Balance provides the basis for calculations under the IPCC reference procedure (Plinke & Schonert, 2000). The usage balance provides a key basis for preparation of emissions inventories. The usage balance can also be used for determination of primary energy consumption. It comprises: 
-are reported via DEBRIV, in February/March of the relevant subsequent year+1.  +  * the transformation balance 
-For wood consumption by private households as of the year 2012, data from an RWI survey (Erhebungsstudie) was used as a basis, while for wood consumption in the Commercial and Institutional sector figures +  * flaring and line losses 
-of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute (Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries) are being used for the period as of 2013.+  * non-energy-related consumption, and 
 +  * final energy consumption.
  
-In addition, figures of the Working Group on Renewable Energy Statistics (Arbeitsgruppe Erneuerbare Energien-Statistik ([[https://www.erneuerbare-energien.de/EE/Navigation/DE/Service/Erneuerbare_Energien_in_Zahlen/Arbeitsgruppe/arbeitsgruppe_ee.html|AGEE-Stat]]) are used for the final Energy Balance. Provisional data +Data on non-energy-related consumption, broken down by industrial sectors, are regularly provided to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) in the framework of an additional table included with the Energy Balance for Germany.
-on renewable energy sources are provided by the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg (ZSW) and checked in collaboration with the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW).  +
- +
-Those data enter into the estimated Energy Balance and the evaluation tables. Because they appear earlier (August) than the data of AGEE-Stat (September), they tend to show discrepances with the AGEE-Stat data. +
-In a number of categories, furthermore, experts personally provide relevant data – in categories, for example, such as non-energy-related consumption by the chemical industry. +
- +
-==== Structure of the National Energy Balances ==== +
- +
-The Energy Balances, which are structured in matrix form, provide an overview of the interconnections within the energy sector.  +
- +
-As a result, they not only provide information about consumption of energy resources in the various source categories, they also show the relevant flows of such resources, from production to use in the various production, transformation and consumption areas. The **//production balance//** shows production (domestic recovery), imports, exports and stock changes of energy resources, summarising these amounts under //**primary energy consumption**//.   +
- +
-__Table 1: Production Balance - Estimation of the  primary domestic energy consumption__  +
-^ NEB line   |    ^ Name of NEB line / statistical dimension                                 || +
-| 1          |    | Gewinnung im Inland                       | Indigenous production         | +
-| 2          | +  | Einfuhr                                   | Imports                       | +
-| 3          | -  | Bestandsentnahmen                         | Stock removal                 | +
-| **4**      | =  | **Energieaufkommen im Inland**            | **Energy supply**             | +
-| 5          | -  | Ausfuhr                                   | Exports                       | +
-| 6          | -  | Hochseebunkerungen                        | International marine bunkers  | +
-| **7**      | +  | Bestandsaufstockungen                     | Stock build-up                | +
-| __**8**__  | =  ^  PRIMÄRENERGIEVERBRAUCH IM INLAND         ^  PRIMARY ENERGY CONSUMPTION   ^ +
- +
-This primary Energy Balance provides the basis for calculations under the IPCC reference procedure (CRF 1.AB - Refenrence Approach).   +
- +
-The //**usage balance**// provides a key basis for preparation of emissions inventories. The usage balance can also be used for determination of primary energy consumption. +
  
 Differences between the production and usage balances are compensated for in the position "Statistical differences". Differences between the production and usage balances are compensated for in the position "Statistical differences".
  
-It comprises: +The transformation balance, part of the usage balance, shows what energy resources are transformed into other, "secondary" resources. The transformation production shows the results of such transformation. Energy transformation can involve conversions of substances – such as conversion of crude oil (conversion input) into petroleum products (conversion output) – or conversions of energy – such as combustion of hard coal (conversion input) – in power stations, for production of electrical energy (conversion output). The energy consumption in the transformation sector shows how much energy was needed for operation of transformation systems (the transformation sector's own consumption). The transformation balance is divided into a total of 12 different sectors.
-* the **//transformation balance//**, part of the usage balance, shows what energy resources are transformed, as well as what other resources they are transformed into.  +
-The transformation production shows the results of such transformation. Energy transformation can involve either substance modification – such as transformation of crude oil (transformation input) into petroleum +
-products (transformation production) – or physical transformation – such as combustion of hard coal (transformation input) – in power stations, for production of electrical energy (transformation production).  +
-The energy consumption in the transformation sector shows how much energy was needed for operation of transformation systems (the transformation sector's own consumption).  +
-The transformation balance is broken down by facility type; a total of 12 different types of facilities are considered.  +
- +
-__Table 2: The Transformation Balance__  +
-^  NEB line    |     ^  Name of NEB line / statistical dimension                                                                     || +
-|  9           |     | Kokereien                                             | Coking plants                                          | +
-|  10          |  +  | Stein- und Braunkohlenbrikettfabriken                 | Hard coal and lignite briquette factories              | +
-|  11          |  +  | Wärmekraftwerke der allg. Versorgung                  | Public thermal power stations                          | +
-|  12          |  +  | Industriewärmekraftwerke (nur für Strom)              | Industrial power stations (only for electricity)       | +
-|  13          |  +  | Kernkraftwerke                                        | Nuclear power stations                                 | +
-|  14          |  +  | Wasser-, Windkraft-, Photovoltaik- u.a. Anlagen       | Hydro, wind, photovoltaic and other power stations     | +
-|  15          |  +  | Heizkraftwerke der allg. Versorgung                   | Public cogeneration plants                             | +
-|  16          |  +  | Fernheizwerke                                         | District heating stations                              | +
-|  17          |  +  | Hochöfen                                              | Blast furnaces                                         | +
-|  18          |  +  | Mineralölverarbeitung                                 | Refineries                                             | +
-|  19          |  +  | Sonstige Energieerzeuger                              | Other energy producers                                 | +
-|  **20**      |  =  | **Umwandlungseinsatz insgesamt**                      | **Total conversion input**                             | +
-|  21          |     | Kokereien                                             | Coking plants                                          | +
-|  22          |  +  | Stein- und Braunkohlenbrikettfabriken                 | Hard coal and lignite briquette factories              | +
-|  23          |  +  | Wärmekraftwerke der allg. Versorgung                  | Public thermal power stations                          | +
-|  24          |  +  | Industriewärmekraftwerke (nur für Strom)              | Industrial power stations (only for electricity)       | +
-|  25          |  +  | Kernkraftwerke                                        | Nuclear power stations                                 | +
-|  26          |  +  | Wasser-, Windkraft-, Photovoltaik- u.a. Anlagen       | Hydro, wind, photovoltaic and other power stations     | +
-|  27          |  +  | Heizkraftwerke der allg. Versorgung                   | Public cogeneration plants                             | +
-|  28          |  +  | Fernheizwerke                                         | District heating stations                              | +
-|  29          |  +  | Hochöfen                                              | Blast furnaces                                         | +
-|  30          |  +  | Mineralölverarbeitung                                 | Refineries                                             | +
-|  31          |  +  | Sonstige Energieerzeuger                              | Other energy producers                                 | +
-|  **32**      |  =  | **Umwandlungsausstoß insgesamt**                      | **Total conversion output**                            | +
-|  33          |  +  | Kokereien                                             | Coking plants                                          | +
-|  34          |  +  | Steinkohlenzechen, -brikettfabriken                   | Hard coal mines, briquette factories                   | +
-|  35          |  +  | Braunkohlengruben, -brikettfabriken                   | Lignite mines, briquette factories                     | +
-|  36          |  +  | Kraftwerke                                            | Power stations                                         | +
-|  37          |  +  | Erdöl- und Erdgasgewinnung                            | Petroleum and natural gas production                   | +
-|  38          |  +  | Mineralölverarbeitung                                 | Refineries                                             | +
-|  39          |  +  | Sonstige Energieerzeuger                              | Other energy producers                                 | +
-|  **40**      |  =  | **Energieverbrauch im Umwandlungsbereich insgesamt**  | **Total energy consumption in the conversion sector**  | +
-|  41          |  -  | Fackel- u. Leitungsverluste                           | Flaring and transmission losses                        | +
-|  __**42**__  |  =  ^             ENERGIEANGEBOT IM INL.N.UMWANDLUNGSBILANZ ^ ENERGY AVAILABLE                                       ^ +
- +
-* **//Non-energy-related consumption//**, as a component of the consumption balance, is shown as a total without allocation to facility types or branches of industry. It describes which energy resources are used as raw materials (e.g. in the chemicals industry, transformation of energy resources into plastics): +
- +
-^  NEB line      ^|     ^  Name of NEB line / statistical dimension                                       ^^^^ +
-|  43            ||  -  | **NICHTENERGETISCHER VERBRAUCH**               || **NON-ENERGY CONSUMPTION**      || +
- +
-* and, finally, the **consumption balance** that indicates the final consumption sectors in which energy is transformed into the useful energy ultimately needed (such as power, light, room and process heating) (**//final energy consumption//**).  +
- +
-This includes industry (with 14 sub-sectors), transport, households and commercial use, trade, services and other consumers (including agriculture): +
- +
-__Table 3: The Consumption Balance__  +
-^  NEB line     |     ^  Name of NEB line / statistical dimension                                                                       || +
-|  **EB line**  |                                                                   ||  **statistical dimension**                        | +
-|  __**45**__   |     ^  ENDENERGIEVERBRAUCH                                         ^  FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION                         ^ +
-|  in:          |     |                                                              |                                                   | +
-|  46           |     | Gewinnung von Steinen und Erden, sonst. Bergbau              | Quarrying, other mining                           | +
-|  47           |  +  | Ernährung und Tabak                                          | Food and tobacco                                  | +
-|  48           |  +  | Papiergewerbe                                                | Paper                                             | +
-|  49           |  +  | Grundstoffchemie                                             | Basic chemicals                                   | +
-|  50           |  +  | Sonstige chemische Industrie                                 | Other chemical industry                           | +
-|  51           |  +  | Gummi- u. Kunststoffwaren                                    | Rubber and plastic products                       | +
-|  52           |  +  | Glas u. Keramik                                              | Glass and ceramics                                | +
-|  53           |  +  | Verarbeitung v. Steine u. Erden                              | Mineral processing                                | +
-|  54           |  +  | Metallerzeugung                                              | Manufacture of basic metals                       | +
-|  55           |  +  | NE-Metalle, -gießereien                                      | Non-ferrous metals, foundries                     | +
-|  56           |  +  | Metallbearbeitung                                            | Metal processing                                  | +
-|  57           |  +  | Maschinenbau                                                 | Manufacture of machinery                          | +
-|  58           |  +  | Fahrzeugbau                                                  | Manufacture of transp. equip.                     | +
-|  59           |  +  | Sonstige Wirtschaftszweige                                   | Other segments                                    | +
-|  **60**       |  =  | **Bergbau, Gew. Steine u. Erden, Verarbeit. Gewerbe insg.**  | **Mining and quarrying, manufacturing industry**  | +
-|  61           |  +  | Schienenverkehr                                              | Railways                                          | +
-|  62           |  +  | Straßenverkehr                                               | Road transport                                    | +
-|  63           |  +  | Luftverkehr                                                  | Air transport                                     | +
-|  64           |  +  | Küsten- und Binnenschifffahrt                                | Inland navigation                                 | +
-|  **65**       |  =  | **Verkehr insgesamt**                                        | **Transport**                                     | +
-|  66           |  +  | Haushalte                                                    | Households                                        | +
-|  67           |  +  | Gewerbe, Handel, Dienstleistungen u.übrige Verbraucher       | Trade, commerce, services and other consumers     | +
-|  **68**       |  =  | **Haushalte, Gewerbe, Handel und Dienstleistungen**          | **Households, trade, commerce and services**      |+
  
 +Non-energy-related consumption, as a component of the consumption balance, is shown as a total, without allocation to industrial sectors. Data on non-energy-related consumption, broken down by industrial sectors, are regularly provided to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) in the framework of an additional table included with the Energy Balance for Germany. It describes which energy resources are used as raw materials (e.g. in the chemicals industry, transformation of energy resources into plastics).
  
-The energy flow in the Energy Balances is depicted for 30 energy resources. These energy resources can be allocated to the following main groups:+The description of final energy consumption (by energy sources / fuels) shows the potential scope of energy consumption in the final consumption sectors. (The energy that is ultimately required (for applications such as work, lighting, space heat and process heat) has to be differentiated from final energy consumption. It is not listed in the EB (AGEB, 2019).) The breakdown covers the areas of industry – sub-divided into 14 sectors – transport, households, commercial use, trade, services and other consumers (including agriculture). 
 +The energy flow in the Energy Balances is depicted for 30 energy sources / fuels. These energy resources can be allocated to the following main groups:
   * hard coal,   * hard coal,
   * lignite,   * lignite,
   * petroleum (including LPG and refinery gas),   * petroleum (including LPG and refinery gas),
-  * gases (coke-oven and blast furnace gas, natural gas and firedamp, and excluding landfill gas +  * gases (coke-oven and blast furnace gas, natural gas and firedamp, and excluding landfill gas and the gases in the previous category),
-  * and the gases in the previous category),+
   * renewable energies (including renewable waste and, as of 2013, sewage sludge),   * renewable energies (including renewable waste and, as of 2013, sewage sludge),
-  * other energy sources (non-renewable waste, waste heat), 
-  * electrical power and other energy resources. 
  
-Energy Balances have been drawn up for the years 1990 to 1994, both separately for the old and new Länder and for Germany as a whole. Since 1995, only one Energy Balance for Germany as a whole (in its territorial boundaries of 3 October 1990) is prepared. In a satellite balance, renewable energies are further broken down as of 1996 (AGEB, 2003) [(AGEB2003)].+electrical power and other energy sources / fuels (non-renewable waste, waste heat). Detailed information about the transformation balance, non-energy-related consumption, final energy consumption and the energy sources / fuels groups is provided in the NIR (2023). In this regard, we call attention to the brochure “Energie in Zahlen – Arbeit und Leistungen der AG Energiebilanzen” (“Energy in numbers – the work and services of the AG Energiebilanzen”) (AGEB, 2019), which presents further details and background information about the German Energy Balance. 
  
-As of the year 2000, the energy-resource structure in the area of renewable energies / waste was changed: hydroelectric and windpower systems, and photovoltaic systems, were combined, and waste/biomass was divided into renewable and non-renewable fractions.  Since 2003, non-renewable waste and waste heat are also listed under final-energy consumption within the Energy Balance.+Energy Balances for Germany as a whole are available for the years as of 1990 (AGEB, 2003). 
 +As of the year 2000, the energy-resource structure in the area of renewable energies / waste was changed: hydroelectric and windpower systems, and photovoltaic systems, were combined, and waste/biomass was divided into renewable and non-renewable fractions. Since 2003, non-renewable waste and waste heat are also listed under final-energy consumption within the Energy Balance.
  
-In the Energy Balance, fuels / energy resources are listed in natural units, including tonnes (t) for solid and liquid fuels, cubic metres (m<sup>3</sup>) for gases (except for natural gas), kilowatt hours (kWh) for electrical power and natural gas, and joules (J) for waste, renewable energy sources, nuclear power and district heating. In order to render the data comparable and suitable for addition, all values are converted into joules (J) using calorific value tables and conversion factors.  +In the Energy Balance, fuels / energy sources are listed in natural units, including tonnes (t) for solid and liquid fuels, cubic metres (m³) for gases (except for natural gas), kilowatt hours (kWh) for electrical power and natural gas, and joules (J) for waste, renewable energy sources, nuclear power and district heating. In order to render the data comparable, and to allow them to be added up, all values are converted into joules (J), via suitable conversion factors. With respect to gases, the Energy Balance differs from gas statistics in that it views all gases in terms of their net calorific value Hi – and not of their gross calorific value, Hs.
-Unlike gas statistics, the Energy Balance lists even gases in terms of calorific value. To date, Energy Balances through 2016 have been published. To meet the need for currentness in emissions reporting, the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) provides the German Environment Agency with a complete provisional Energy Balance – on an annual basis, and in early August of each year – for purposes of inventory preparation.+
  
-==== Methodological issues: Energy-related activity rates====+To meet the need for emissions reporting to be as up to date as possible, the following procedure will be carried out on an annual basis as of 2022 for purposes of inventory preparation: at the end of August, the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) will provide the German Environment Agency (UBA) with a complete provisional Energy Balance, based on extrapolated statistics of the Federal Statistical Office, for the year x-1. The AGEB will then deliver the final Energy Balance to UBA in the following February (at that point, the EB will be for the year x-2). Publication will then take place in about the following April.
  
-Essentially, the inventories for air pollutants and greenhouse gases prepared by the German Environment Agency are based on the Energy Balances for Germany prepared by the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB). The data required for emissions calculation can be read directly from Energy Balance lines 11, 12, 15, 16, 40, 60, 65 and 68. +==== Methodological issues: Energy-related activity rates ====
  
-For biomass fuels, and for natural gas and light heating oil, EB line 14, depending on the fuel in question, is also used in calculation.+Essentially, the inventories for air pollutants and greenhouse gases prepared by the German Environment Agency are based on the Energy Balances for Germany prepared by the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB). The data required for emissions calculation can be read directly from Energy Balance lines 11, 12, 15, 16, 40, 60, 65 and 68. For natural gas and light heating oil, EB line 14 is also used in calculation. 
  
 In a few cases, the special requirements pertaining to emissions calculation, and the need to assure the completeness of data, necessitate a departure from the above-described system, and additional data have to be added: In a few cases, the special requirements pertaining to emissions calculation, and the need to assure the completeness of data, necessitate a departure from the above-described system, and additional data have to be added:
-  * The emissions-relevant fuel inputs for lignite drying have to be calculated out of EB line 10. A precise description of category 1.A.1.c is provided [[sector:energy:fuel_combustion:energy_industries:manufacture_of_solid_fuels_and_other_energy_industries|here]]. +  * The emissions-relevant fuel inputs for lignite drying have to be calculated out of EB line 10. A precise description of category 1.A.1.c is provided in Chapter 3.2.6.2. 
-  * Natural gas inputs in compressors, for the years 1995-2002, can be read directly from the Energy Balance (EB line 33). For the years 1990-1994, and for the period as of 2003, the values have to be calculated outside of the Energy Balance. +  * Natural gas inputs in compressors, for the years 1995-2002, were taken directly from the Energy Balance (EB line 33). For the years 1990-1994, and for the period as of 2003, the values have to be calculated outside of the Energy Balance. The method is described in the NIR 2022’s Chapter for category 1.A.3.e. 
-  * For systematic reasons, and for reasons having to do with a focus on energy production, the Energy Balance does not list incinerated waste quantities completely for all relevant years. In this area as well, therefore, the lacking data have to be added from waste statistics. Relevant explanations are provided in chapters regarding NFRs 1.A.1.a and 1.A.2.g Other (stationary). +  * For systematic reasons, and for reasons having to do with a focus on energy production, the Energy Balance does not list incinerated waste quantities completely for all relevant years. In this area as well, therefore, the lacking data have to be added from waste statistics. Relevant explanations are provided in Chapter for category 1.A.1.a and in the Chapter for category 1.A.2.g Other (stationary). 
-  * Firewood use in the categories commercial and institutional is not listed in the Energy Balance through 2012 and has to be added. The method is described in the chapter on NFR 1.A.4 - Small stationary combustion. +  * Firewood use in the categories commercial and institutional is not listed in the Energy Balances through 2012; it has to be added. The method is described in Chapter for category 1.A.4. 
  
-In the Energy Balance, inputs of reducing agents, in pig-iron production, are listed in part as energyrelated consumption, in EB line 54, and in part as transformation inputs, in EB line 17 (top-gas equivalent).  +In the Energy Balance, inputs of reducing agents, in pig-iron production, are listed in part as energy-related consumption, in EB line 54, and in part as transformation inputs, in EB line 17 (top-gas equivalent). Use, for energy production, of the blast-furnace gas produced in pig-iron production is listed in the relevant Energy Balance lines, 11, 12, 15, 33 and 54. To prevent double counting, the reducing-agent inputs from blast furnaces, as listed in EB line 54, and the relevant top-gas equivalent, are not reported.
-Use of the related blast-furnace gas for energy production is listed in the relevant Energy Balance lines, 11, 12, 15, 33 and 54. To prevent double counting, the reducing-agent inputs from blast furnaces, as listed in EB line 54, and the relevant top-gas equivalent, are not reported.+
  
 ==== Uncertainties, time-series consistency and quality assurance in the Energy Balance ==== ==== Uncertainties, time-series consistency and quality assurance in the Energy Balance ====
  
-As a result of increasing energy-market liberalisation, and in conjunction with the formation of a European single market, the condition of the statistical energy database has worsened in recent years of change (ZIESING et al, 2003). While the Act on Energy Statistics (which entered into force in 2003) improved the relevant basic data foundations, relatively speaking, the dynamic development of the energy sector again created a need for amendment of that Act. The amendment of the Act on Energy Statistics of 6 March 2017 (Federal Law Gazette (BGBl) I p. 392) introduces improvements in statistical coverage, updates of the survey groups involved and a number of new aspects to be surveyed. In addition, survey periodicity has changed – in part, in favour of monthly surveys. The first survey will be carried out in the 2018 survey year.+While the Act on Energy Statistics (which entered into force in 2003) improved the relevant basic data foundations for the Energy Balance somewhat, the dynamic development of the energy sector soon necessitated an amendment of that Act. The currently valid amendment of the Act on Energy Statistics of 6 March 2017 (Federal Law Gazette (BGBl) I p. 392) introduces improvements in statistical coverage, updates the survey groups involved and adds a number of new aspects to be surveyed. In addition, the survey periodicity has changed – in part, in favour of monthly surveys. The first survey covered survey year 2018.
  
-The data structures of the Energy Balance are adjusted on an ongoing basis, in order to enhance data availability to the best possible extent.+The data structures of the Energy Balance are adjusted on an ongoing basis, in order to ensure that the best-possible data are provided. 
 These changes are made at relatively large intervals and are documented by the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) in each case: These changes are made at relatively large intervals and are documented by the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) in each case:
 +  * Explanations relative to revision of the Energy Balances 2003 – 2006  
 +  * Remarks regarding changes in the Energy Balances 2003 through 2007  
 +  * Revision of the Energy Balances 2003 through 2009  
 +  * Methodological changes in the 2012 Energy Balance  
 +  * Explanations relative to the Energy Balances (updated as of November 2015)  
  
-  * [[https://ag-energiebilanzen.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/revision_der_eb_2003_bis_2006.pdf|Explanations relative to revision of the Energy Balances 2003 – 2006]] +In October 2021, the AGEB prepared a report, in compliance with its contract, on "Germany's Energy Balance – required revisions" ("Revisionsbedarf in der Energiebilanz Deutschland") resulting in a fundamental revision of the time series in 2023 and for the 2024 emission reporting (see NID and IIR 2024) [(AGEB2021)].
-  * [[https://ag-energiebilanzen.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/aktualisierungen_der_energiebilanzen_2003_bis.pdf|Remarks regarding changes in the Energy Balances 2003 through 2007]] +
-  * [[https://ag-energiebilanzen.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/revision_der_energiebilanzen_2003_bis_2009_05.pdf|Revision of the Energy Balances 2003 through 2009]] +
-  * [[https://ag-energiebilanzen.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/methodische_aenderungen_der_eb_2012.pdf|Methodological changes in the 2012 Energy Balance]] +
-  * [[https://ag-energiebilanzen.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/vorwort.pdf|Explanation relative to the Energy Balances]]+
  
 === Quality report of the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) regarding preparation of Energy Balances for the Federal Republic of Germany === === Quality report of the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) regarding preparation of Energy Balances for the Federal Republic of Germany ===
  
-In 2012, the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) began submitting annual joint quality reports, to the German Environment Agency (UBA), that document its quality-assurance measures in +Since 2012, the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) has regularly submitted joint quality reports, to the German Environment Agency (UBA), that document its quality-assurance measures in preparation of Energy Balances. As of 2020, in the framework of the contract for the Energy Balances, and in the interest of quality assurance, the Energy Balances are being prepared and provided in a time-series format. This facilitates detection of time-series jumps during compilation of the data. 
-preparation of Energy Balances. The following section presents the content of the current reports, in their original wording (marked with a different typeface).+ 
 +The following section presents the content of the current report, in its original wording (marked with a different typeface).
  
 == Background == == Background ==
  
-In the framework of greenhouse-gas reporting, the National Co-ordinating Committee for the National System of Emissions Inventories has established minimum requirements pertaining to +In the framework of greenhouse-gas reporting, the National Co-ordinating Committee for the National System of Emissions Inventories has established minimum requirements pertaining to quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA). Those requirements are to be fulfilled on all levels of inventory preparation. One of the most important data sets for determination of greenhouse-gas emissions consists of the Energy Balances for the Federal Republic of Germany, which the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) has been commissioned to prepare. The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), the EEFA research institute (Münster) and the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW; Stuttgart) support the AGEB in its work, as sub-contractors. In the current Energy Balance cycle, the German Institute for Economic Research is participating for the last time in preparation of an Energy Balance for Germany. All persons working on Energy Balances are required to comply with minimum requirements pertaining to QC/QA, in areas such as transparency, consistency, comparability, completeness and accuracy. 
-quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA). Those requirements are to be fulfilled on all levels of inventory preparation. Öne of the most important data sets for determination of greenhouse-gas emissions consists of the Energy Balances for the Federal Republic of Germany, which the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) has been commissioned to prepare. +
  
-The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW, Berlin) and the EEFA research institute also work on such Energy Balances, as sub-contractors to the AGEB. All persons working on Energy Balances are required to +To document its data sources and quality-assurance measures in preparation of Energy Balances, the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) herewith submits its current quality report to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). It focuses especially on the 2021 Energy Balance.
-comply with minimum requirements pertaining to QC/QA, in areas such as transparency, consistency, comparability, completeness and accuracy. +
-To document its data sources and quality-assurance measures in preparation of Energy Balances, the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) herewith submits its current quality report to the German Environment Agency (UBA). It focuses especially on the 2015 Energy Balance.+
  
-==Work-sharing in preparation of Energy Balances ==+== Work-sharing in preparation of Energy Balances ==
  
-The DIW Berlin is responsible for preparing Energy Balances for the following energy areas: +The basic working method for preparation of Energy Balances has changed, partly for the reason that revisions of Balance data are pending. Now, the Energy Balances for Germany are now being centrally generated, via a database (which is stored at the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW). The basic responsibilities for the various energy sources / fuels (Energy Environment Forecast and Analysis (EEFA) institute: hard coal, lignite, coking gas, blast furnace gas, basic oxygen furnace gas and mine gas; ZSW: petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, petroleum gas, and other fuels; office of the Working Group on Renewable Energy Statistics (Arbeitsgruppe Erneuerbare Energien-Statistik (AGEE-Stat): renewable energies) have not been affected by the change. Also, in connection with its Energy Balance work, the DIW Berlin has coordinated the quarterly estimates of primary energy consumption for the Federal Republic of Germany, and prepared estimates for the energy area “Other.” In this framework, the EEFA research institute is responsible for the fuel “hard coal.” Figures on renewable energies are calculated and published on the basis of the relevant data, in consultation with the office of the Working Group on Renewable Energy Statistics (GS AGEE-Stat). 
-  * Natural gas, petroleum gas +
-  * Non-renewable waste, waste heat, +
-  * Nuclear power, +
-  * Crude oil and +
-  * Petroleum products (gasoline; naphtha; jet fuels; diesel fuel; light heating oil; heavy heating oil; petroleum coke; LP gas; refinery gas; other petroleum products)+
  
-Also in the framework of its Energy Balance work, the DIW Berlin coordinates the quarterly estimates of primary energy consumption for the Federal Republic of Germany, and it prepares estimates for the energy area "Other".+In February of 2022, EEFA/ZSW prepared an “early-estimate” version of the 2021 Energy Balance (with data available as of 15 February 2022). The 2021 provisional Energy Balance was then submitted in May 2022. In September of the same year, a further 2021 provisional, “early-estimate” Energy Balance was prepared, along with the pertinent evaluation tables. That Balance included data and estimates of the Federal Statistical Office, including data and estimates on development of final energy consumption by industry. In the normal process, data from official Mineral Oil Statistics (AMS) of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) [(BAFA2024)] are integrated within the petroleum section of the Energy Balance. Those data, covering the previous year, are usually in April.
  
-In addition, the DIW Berlin awards a sub-contract to the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg, which prepares the renewable energies data for the Energy Balances.+In February or spring of any given year, important official data sources, such as surveys relative to energy consumption of industrial sectors, are normally not yet available. Consequently, the pertinent data gaps have to be closed with the help of estimates. Understandably, an estimated Energy Balance (or an early-estimate version of the Balance) cannot fulfill the strict data-quality requirements met by the final Energy Balance, which is a work published with a time lag of about one year.
  
-The data concerned include data on: +== Quality of the data sources used ==
-  * Hydroelectric power, wind power on land and at sea, and photovoltaics, +
-  * Biomass (solid, liquid, biofuels, biogas, sewage gas, landfill gas) and renewable waste (settlement waste) +
-  * Other renewable energy sources (solar-thermal, deep geothermal, near-surface geothermal). +
  
-The tasks of the EEFA research institute include preparing complete Energy Balances for the following fuels: +The following data of the Federal Statistical Office (StaBuA) are used in the preparation of the Energy Balances for the Federal Republic of Germany: 
-  *  Hard coal, hard-coal coke, hard-coal briquettes and other hard-coal products, +  * Annual survey (No. 060) of energy use by manufacturing, mining and quarrying companies, 
-  *  Lignite (raw), lignite briquettes, other lignite products and hard lignite, and +  * Monthly survey (No. 061E) of coal imports, 
-  *  Coking-plant gas and city gas, blast furnace gas and basic oxygen furnace gas, and mine gas. +  * Annual survey (No. 062) of heat and electricity generation from geothermal energy, 
-  *  Electricity, and +  * Annual survey (No. 063) of production of biofuels, 
-  *  District heat (Fernwärme).+  * Annual survey (No. 064) of generation and use of heat and of heating-network operations, 
 +  * Monthly survey (No. 066K) of electricity and heat generation for the public supply, 
 +  * Annual survey (No 067) of electricity and heat generation by manufacturing, mining and quarrying companies, 
 +  * Monthly survey (No. 068) of the gas supply, 
 +  * Annual survey (No. 070) of electricity feed-in, and electricity demand, as recorded by electricity grid operators, 
 +  * Annual survey (No. 073) of production, use and supply of sewage gas, 
 +  * Annual survey (No. 075) of supply of LP gas,  
 +  * Annual survey (No. 082) of gas sales and income in the gas-supply sector, 
 +  * Energiesteuerstatistik (energy taxation statistics), Fachserie 14, Reihe 9.3).
  
-In the framework of its work on the Energy Balances, the EEFA institute also coordinates deliveries and reporting of energy-statistics data in the context of European and international obligations +The data of the Federal Statistical Office (StaBuA) are subject to official quality requirements.  
-(IEA/EUROSTAT Annual Joint Questionnaires). Since Energy Balance year 2009, estimate balances have been prepared in the framework of work for the evaluation tables. They incorporate data from Statistik-Nr. 066 (Erhebung u ber die Elektrizitäts- und Wärmeerzeugung der Stromerzeugungsanlagen der allgemeinen Versorgung; Survey of electricity and heat generation of public-sector electricity generation systems) of the Federal Statistical Office (StBA), and association data – for example, of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW). +The quality reports of the Federal Statistical Office are available online at (Destatis, 2025) [(DESTATIS2025)].
  
-The estimates are coordinated especially with the BDEW and the -Stat.  +In addition, data from the Official Mineral Oil Statistics (AMS) of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) are applied (BAFA, 2024) [(BAFA2024)].
-Data from Official Mineral Oil Statistics of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) are also used [(BAFA2020)].+
  
-At that early stage in Energy-Balance preparation, important official data sources, such as surveys relative to energy consumption of industrial sectors, are normally not yet available. The pertinent +The AMS, which are published monthly and annually, are a closed, consistent system covering all petroleum production and consumption in Germany. The statistical basis for the AMS consists of the Integrated Mineral Oil Report (Integrierte Mineralölbericht – IM), which is prepared monthly, on the basis of the Act on mineral oil data (Mineralöldatengesetz), with input from companies operating in Germany's petroleum market. The Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) reports the pertinent production and consumption data, together with the relevant data of the Federal Statistical Office, to IEA and Eurostat, which publish internationally comparable energy balances. The calorific values for crude oil inputs, and the petroleum products, that are covered by these reports are cross-checked against the national Energy Balance. For the Energy Balance's section on petroleum, both AMS data and data of the Federal Statistical Office are used. 
-data gaps are closed with the help of estimates. It is thus clear that an estimated Energy Balance cannot fulfill the strict requirements pertaining to data quality that the final Energy Balance meets, a work published with a time lag of about one year.+
  
-== Quality of the data sources used==+In addition to the available official data, association data are also used. Among the statistics provided by associations, the Statistik der Kohlenwirtschaft (coal-industry statistics; since 2020, available only for lignite) play a special role. The data used for the Energy Balance include the following: 
 +  * Data on extraction, production of lignite products, producers' own consumption and sales (form 5), and information from production reports, 
 +  * Data on domestic sales / use, broken down by Länder and consumer groups, 
  
-The following data of the Federal Statistical Office (DESTATIS) are used in the preparation of the Energy Balances for the Federal Republic of Germany: +The coal-statistics data available in Germany have a semi-official status, and they are very precise and reliable. For more than 60 years, the Statistik der Kohlenwirtschaft coal-sector-statistics association has served as a liaison between coal-sector companies and official producers of statistics. Official coal statistics in this area are based on surveys carried out by the Statistik der Kohlenwirtschaft association. A large portion of the coal data is made publicly accessible on the website http://www.kohlenstatistik.de. The transparency this provides also attests to the reliability and accuracy of these data sources. The Act on Energy Statistics (Energiestatistikgesetz) has no separate paragraph relative to surveys on the domestic coal sector; its refers instead explicitly to the functioning system of coal statistics.
-  * Survey (No. 060) of energy use of mining, quarrying and manufacturing companies, +
-  * Survey (No. 061E) in coal imports, +
-  * Survey (No. 062) of geothermal energy, +
-  * Survey (No. 064) of heat generation, demand, use and supply, +
-  * Survey (No. 066) of electricity and heat generation of public-supply electricity generation systems, +
-  * Survey (No. 067) of electricity generation systems in the mining and manufacturing sectors, +
-  * Survey (No. 070) of network operators relative to electricity feed-in, +
-  * Survey (No. 073) of production, use and supply of sewage gas, +
-  * Survey (No. 075) of production, demand, use and supply of LP gas, +
-  * Survey (No. 082 P) of supply, import and export of natural gas and petroleum gas, and of revenue of producers, +
-  * Survey (No. 082) of production, supply, import and export of gas, and of revenue of gas utilities and gas sellers. +
-  * Energy taxation statistics (Federal Statistical Öffice, Fachserie 14, Reihe 9.3). +
  
-The data of the Federal Statistical Office (DESTATIS) are subject to official quality requirements.  +A considerable portion of the data used for preparation of the overall natural-gas balance (Erdgasbilanz) comes from official statistics. In some areas, the data and information provided by official statistics have gaps that have to be closed. This is accomplished with the help of additional association data, as well as of model calculations. 
-The quality reports of the Federal Statistical Office are available on the Internet, at its Web site: [[https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Branchen-Unternehmen/Energie/Erzeugung/_inhalt]]+For natural gas, associated gas:  
 +  * Data on flaring losses are obtained using the implied net calorific value given by the Federal association of the natural gas, oil and geothermal energy industry (BVEG, the former WEG oil and gas industry association). The 2019 Statistical Report (Statistischer Bericht 2019) (page 22) introduced a change in the breakdown of flaring losses into the categores of “routine,” “safety-relevant” and “non-routine.”  
 +  * In early Balance years, data on natural gas consumption in the transport sector were derived by Zukunft Erdgas (formerly Erdgas mobil), from data provided by the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW). Energy tax statistics also yield data for this sector.  
 +  * As a result of the change in the statistical report of the Federal association of the natural gas, oil and geothermal energy industry (BVEG), own consumption is now listed as process-related own consumption, i.e. including processing losses, measuring differences and flaring losses. For purposes of preparation of Energy Balances, the BVEG has provided actual-own-consumption figures for the years 2018 through 2020. 
 +  * The following additional sources are also used:  
 +  * In the framework of monitoring under the CHP act (Kraft-Wärme-Kopplungsgesetz), the Öko-Institut e.V. Institute for Applied Ecology estimates inputs of natural gas, and light fuel oil, for electricity and heat generation in compact gas-/oil- fired CHP systems that are not covered by official statistics. 
 +  * Detailed information on how the various data sources are used in preparation of the Energy Balance is provided by the “cookbook” (“Kochbuch”; it contains source information for specific entries in the Balance). 
 +   
 +In addition to quality, the important aspects of the available data, relative to preparation of Energy Balances, include their multi-year availability and their standardised, consistent presentations of time series. Such aspects play a critically important role in ensuring that the procedures and methods used for preparation of Energy Balances generate data that can be consistently integrated, without structural discontinuities, in the basic scheme for the Balances. Both the relevant official sources and the coal statistics data have a long tradition. Where breaks in time series cannot be avoided, as a result of reviews or changes in statistical foundations (for example in the Act on Energy Statistics), such breaks are documented in the sources used for preparation of Energy Balances. This ensures that methods are always properly adjusted.
  
-In addition, data from the Official Mineral Oil Statistics (AMS) of the Federal Öffice of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) are used. The Official Mineral Öil Statistics for Germany (AMS), which are +== Transparency of methods and procedures ==
-published monthly and annually, comprise a closed, contradiction-free system covering all petroleum production and consumption in Germany. The statistical basis for the AMS consists of the Integrated Mineral Oil Report (Integrierte Mineralo lbericht – IM), which is prepared monthly, on the basis of the Act on mineral oil data (Mineralo ldatengesetz), with input from companies operating in Germany's petroleum market. The Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) reports the pertinent production and consumption data, together with the relevant data of the Federal Statistical Öffice, to IEA and Eurostat, which publish internationally comparable energy balances. +
  
-The calorific values for crude oil inputs, and the petroleum products, that are covered by these reports are cross-checked against the national Energy Balance. For its section on petroleum, that balance also uses data from +The Act on Energy Statistics (Energiestatistikgesetz – (EnStatG) entered into force on 1 January 2003. That act consolidates official energy statistics, from different legal frameworks, and adapts them to users' changed information requirements. Since the act's entry into force, the Federal Statistical Office has also collected and provided data for the areas heat market, combined heat / power generation (CHP) and renewable energy sources. As a result of the restructuring, the Federal Statistical Office, in addition to providing data on electricity and heat generation from combined heat / power generation (CHP), also provides data on all fuel inputs for CHP, for both the general public supply and industry (broken down by energy sources).
-the AMS and data of the Federal Statistical Öffice. In addition to the available official data, association data are also used. The Statistik der Kohlenwirtschaft coal statistics play a special role among the association statistics. The data used for the Energy Balance include the following:+
  
-For hard coal: +Such changes in the available statistics have made it necessary to adjust the methods used for the Energy Balances – especially for their descriptions of industrial final energy consumption. As a consequence of the described expansion in the data supply, separate data on fuel inputs as of 2003 for industrial electricity generation – i.e. for electricity-only generation – are now available.
-  * statistics on domestic sales, broken down by types of hard coal and consumer groups, and +
-  * statistics on production, use in transformation sectors and changes in stocks (form 4a).+
  
-For lignite: +The Federal Statistical Office does not collect data on breakdowns of fuel inputs by "electricity" and "heat" in industrial and public-supply combined heat / power generation (CHP) systems; such statistics are collected by the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) and estimated by institutes it commissions. The "Finnish" method used for such purposes is based on Directive 2004/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004. That method is precisely defined, mathematically, and it is explained in the forewords to the Energy Balances. Currently, it is also explained in the brochure "Energie in Zahlen – Arbeit und Leistungen der AG Energiebilanzen" ("Energy in figures – the work and services of the Working Group on Energy Balances"), p. 10, 11 f.
-  * data on extraction, production of lignite products, producers' own consumption and sales (form 5), and information from production reports, +
-  * data on domestic sales / use, broken down by Länder and consumer groups,+
  
-The coal-statistics data available in Germany have a semi-official status, and they are very precise and reliable. For more than 60 years, the Statistik der Kohlenwirtschaft coal-sector-statistics association +With regard to quality assurance, the Finnish method makes calculations relative to power/heat production for the public supply and for industry logical and transparent. The necessary pertinent assumptions, such as the reference efficiencies of non-CHP generation as provided in the documentation for the Energy Balances, are stated in the process. In sum, although Energy Balance preparation is a process that makes use of frequently complex transformational methods, its results can still be highly transparent and unambiguous. As a result, all Energy Balance entry fields can always be traced back to their primary statistical foundations. 
-has served as a liaison between coal-sector companies and official producers of statistics. Official coal statistics in this area are based on surveys carried out by the Statistik der Kohlenwirtschaft association.  +Primary data provided by official or association sources  – regardless of its quality – can seldom simply be "plugged into" the Energy Balance without undergoing the statistical processing normally used to prepare the Energy Balances. Description of relevant complex energy flows, using matrices that conform to the formal parameters and methodological specifications for the Energy Balances, and on the basis of statistical raw data, requires numerous transformation steps, recalculations and reallocations. What is more, in some (few) areas of the Energy Balance primary statistics are no longer available, and thus data gaps have to be closed through use of formal estimation methods, applied in accordance with the requirements of each relevant individual case. 
-A large portion of the coal data is made publicly accessible on the website: [[https://kohlenstatistik.de]] +
- +
-The transparency this provides also attests to the reliability and accuracy of these data sources. The //Energy Statistics Act// (Energiestatistikgesetz) has no separate paragraph relative to surveys on the domestic coal sector; its refers instead explicitly to the functioning system of coal statistics. +
- +
-The following additional sources are also used: +
-  * With regard to wood consumption in the Residential sector for the year 2015, results from the survey by RWI/forsa are carried forward. +
-  * Since 2013, wood consumption in the Commercial and Institutional sector has been determined as a remainder. The basis for this work consists of data on total energy-wood production in Germany, data obtained through surveys and calculations of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute (Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries). +
-  * Data on wind energy yields on land and at sea, and on electricity production via photovoltaics, are derived from the quantities certified by auditors of transmission system operators (TSO), relative to electricity feed-in and relevant compensation, pursuant to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). +
-  * In the framework of monitoring under the CHP act (Kraft-Wa rme-Kopplungsgesetz), the Öko-Institut e.V. Institute for Applied Ecology estimates natural gas inputs, for electricity and heat generation, in compact gas-/oil- fired CHP systems that are not covered by official statistics. +
- +
-In addition to quality, the important aspects of the available data, relative to preparation of Energy Balances, include their multi-year availability and their standardised, consistent presentations of time series. Such aspects play a critically important role in ensuring that the procedures and methods used for preparation of Energy Balances generate data that can be consistently integrated, without structural discontinuities, in the basic scheme for the Balances. Both the relevant official sources and the coal statistics data have a long tradition. Where breaks in time series cannot be avoided, as a result of reviews or changes in statistical foundations (for example in the Act on Energy Statistics), such breaks are well-documented in the sources used for preparation of Energy Balances. This ensures that methods are always properly adjusted. +
- +
-== The Act on Energy Statistics (Energiestatistikgesetz – (EnStatG) (entered into force on 1 January 2003) == +
- +
-That act consolidates official energy statistics, from different legal frameworks, and adapts them to users' current information requirements. Since the act's entry into force, the Federal Statistical Office has also collected and provided data for the areas heat market, combined heat / power generation (CHP) and renewable energy sources. As a result of the restructuring, the Federal Statistical Öffice, in addition to providing data on electricity and heat generation from combined heat / power generation (CHP), also provides data on all fuel inputs for CHP, for both the general public supply and industry (broken down by energy sources).  +
- +
-Such changes in the available statistics have made it necessary to adjust the methods used for the Energy Balances – especially for their descriptions of industrial final energy consumption. As a consequence of the described expansion in the data supply, separate data on fuel inputs as of 2003 for industrial electricity generation – i.e. for electricity-only generation – are now available. The Federal Statistical Öffice does not collect data on breakdowns of fuel inputs by "electricity" and "heat" in industrial and public-supply combined heat / power generation (CHP) systems; such statistics are collected by the AGEB and estimated by institutes it commissions.  +
- +
-The "Finnish" method used for such purposes is based on [[https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32004L0008&from=EN|Directive 2004/8/EC]] of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004. That method is precisely defined, mathematically, and it is explained in the forewords to the Energy Balances. +
- +
-With regard to quality assurance, the Finnish method makes calculations relative to power/heat production for the public supply and for industry logical and transparent. The necessary pertinent framework assumptions, such as the reference efficiencies of non-CHP generation as provided in the documentation for the Energy Balances, are clearly stated in the process.  +
- +
-In sum, although the Energy Balance preparation is a process that makes use of frequently complex transformational methods, its results can still be highly transparent and unambiguous.  +
-As a result, all Energy Balance entry fields can always be traced back to their primary statistical foundations. Primary data provided by official or association sources – regardless of its quality – can seldom simply be "plugged into" the Energy Balance without undergoing the statistical processing normally used to prepare the Energy Balances. Description of relevant complex energy flows, using matrices that conform to the formal parameters and methodological specifications for the Energy Balances, and on the basis of statistical raw data, requires numerous transformation steps, recalculations and reallocations. What is more, in some (few) areas of the Energy Balance primary statistics are no longer available, and thus data gaps have to be closed through use of formal estimation methods, applied in accordance with the requirements of each relevant individual case.+
  
 == Checking and verification of results == == Checking and verification of results ==
  
-Measures for quality assurance and control cover the following areas:+Measures for quality assurance and control cover the following areas: 
   * Assurance of data quality / transparency of methods and procedures,   * Assurance of data quality / transparency of methods and procedures,
-  * Mechanisms for checking and critically reviewing the Energy Balances, measures that assure the Balances' correctness, completeness and consistency and +  * Mechanisms for checking and critically reviewing the Energy Balances, measures that assure the Balances' correctness, completeness and consistency,  
-  * Measures for documentation and archiving, designed to ensure the Balances' clarity and reproducibility, +  * Measures for documentation and archiving, designed to ensure the Balances' clarity and reproducibility,  
-  * Expert responsibility for preparation of Energy Balances.+  * Expert responsibility for preparation of Energy Balances. 
  
-Critical discussion, verification and checking of results take place on various levels: +Critical discussion, verification and checking of results take place on various levels:  
-  * The annual Energy Balance is prepared independently by several experts, in a process that includes cross-checking of work. +* The involved experts mutually check their work and review it, on the basis of control figures (such as changes emerging year-to-year comparisons, implied calorific values, utilisation levels), for plausibility. 
-  * The involved experts mutually check their work and review it, on the basis of control figures (such as changes emerging year-to-year comparisons, implied calorific values, utilisation levels), for plausibility. +  * The time-series consistency is regularly verified. Where a time series shows implausible jumps that cannot be attributed to transfer or calculation errors, and that must be tied to developments in the underlying primary statistics, the problem is discussed constructively with the relevant data-supplying institution (such as the Federal Statistical Office). In preparation of the 2018 Energy Balance, for example, it was seen in the Statistik 064 statistics, with respect to the fuels natural gas, petroleum gas, and light fuel oil, that plants' case numbers had increased, while their fuel inputs had remained at about the same level. This was due to a change of perspective from companies to plants (cf. Table 1 in this regard).
-  * The time-series consistency is regularly verified. Where a time series shows implausible jumps that cannot be attributed to transfer or calculation errors, and that must be tied to developments in the underlying primary statistics, the problem is discussed constructivele with the relevant data-supplying institution (such as the Federal Statistical Office).+
   * The Energy Balances are cross-checked against the data provided to IEA/Eurostat.   * The Energy Balances are cross-checked against the data provided to IEA/Eurostat.
-  * In addition, the AGEB member associations carry out supporting checks. +  * In addition, the AGEB member associations carry out supporting checks.  
-  * Furthermore, at early stages data and results are exchanged and discussed with responsible experts of the German Environment Agency (UBA), also in consultation with AGEE-Stat. +  * Furthermore, at early stages data and results are exchanged and discussed with responsible experts of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), also in consultation with AGEE-Stat. 
-  * Statistical questions pertaining to the Energy Balance are also discussed by the "Working Group on methods" ("Arbeitskreis Methodik" – AKM) within the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).+  * Statistical questions pertaining to the Energy Balance are also discussed by the “Working Group on methods” (“Arbeitskreis Methodi”" – AKM) sited within the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). 
  
-Only when the completed Energy Balance has successfully passed through all controlling bodies is it published on the AGEB's Web site and are provisional Energy Balance data provided to the German Environment Agency for further processing within the system for the national greenhouse-gas inventory. With a view to effective prevention of errors in data calculation and estimation for the Energy Balances, the annual balances are prepared via standardised procedures. To that end, a broad range of instruments has been developed that automate proven estimation procedures, and formal calculation methods, within the context of Energy Balance preparation. This approach, which often permits simple entry of statistical raw data into the suitable calculation tools, largely eliminates calculation and transformation errors. What is more, its use of consistent, standardised methods +Only when the completed Energy Balance has successfully passed through all controlling bodies is it published on the AGEB's website and are provisional Energy Balance data provided to the Federal Environment Agency for further processing within the system for the national greenhouse-gas inventory. 
-plays an important role in assuring time-series consistency.+With a view to effective prevention of errors in data calculation and estimation for the Energy Balances, the annual balances are prepared via standardised procedures. To that end, a broad range of instruments has been developed that automate proven estimation procedures, and formal calculation methods, within the context of Energy Balance preparation. This approach, which often permits simple entry of statistical raw data into the suitable calculation tools, largely eliminates calculation and transformation errors. What is more, its use of consistent, standardised methods plays an important role in assuring time-series consistency. 
  
 == Documentation and archiving == == Documentation and archiving ==
  
-DIW Berlin and the EEFA research institute keep careful, detailed documentation relative to the annual Energy Balances. The documentation covers every Energy Balance entry, lists the statistical sources and surveys used and precisely describes the calculation methods and procedures used. The purpose of the documentation is to ensure that all steps can be retraced, both by Energy Balance staff and by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and the German Environment Agency.  +The EEFA research institute, the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) keep detailed, written documentation relative to the annual Energy Balances. The documentation covers every Energy Balance entry, lists the statistical sources and surveys used and precisely describes the calculation methods and procedures used. The purpose of the documentation is to ensure that all steps can be retraced, both by the organisations themselves and by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the German Environment Agency (UBA). Furthermore, regular updating of the documentation contributes to data quality and helps to assure consistency in time series and methods. 
-Furthermore, regular updating of the documentation contributes to data quality and helps to assure consistency in time series and methods. All statistical data, calculation methods and estimation procedures used in preparation of Energy Balances for the Federal Republic of Germany are archived. The pertinent electronic data are backed up at DIW Berlin – both automatically, by central data systems, on dedicated server space, and manually, at regular intervals. For electronic archiving, the EEFA institute uses portable media (CDROMs, DVD), external drives and network-based server systems. Data back-ups are carried out both automatically and manually (at regular intervals).+ 
 +All statistical data, calculation methods and estimation procedures used in preparation of Energy Balances for the Federal Republic of Germany are archived. The electronic data are stored on servers of the ZSW (AGEB database). For archiving of electronic content, the EEFA institute uses a range of computers and removable disk drives, as well as network-base server and cloud-computing solutions. Data back-ups are carried out both automatically and manually (at regular intervals).
  
 == Qualified staff == == Qualified staff ==
  
-For execution of the service project "Preparation of Energy Balances for the Federal Republic of Germany" ("Erstellen von Energiebilanzen für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland"), DIW Berlin, the EEFA research institute and ZSW rely on experienced staff with solid backgrounds in the areas of statistics, economics and the energy sector. +For execution of the service project "Preparation of Energy Balances for the Federal Republic of Germany" ("Erstellen von Energiebilanzen für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland"), the EEFA research institute, ZSW and DIW Berlin rely on experienced staff with solid backgrounds in the areas of statistics, economics and the energy sector.
- +
-== Explanations regarding the currentness and availability of data for preparation of Energy Balances==+
  
 +== Explanations regarding the currentness and availability of data for preparation of Energy Balances ==
 + 
 **Official statistics** **Official statistics**
 +Since 2022, and in the framework of national inventory preparation, every August the Federal Statistical Office has collected/calculated additional data that enter into the Energy Balance of the previous year (in 2022, therefore, into the 2021 Energy Balance) and the Joint Annual Questionnaire. As a result, official data now become available much earlier than was previously the case. The “cookbook” for the Energy Balance shows, on a specific-cell level, what statistics provided by the Federal Statistical Office, and by BAFA, etc., are used. 
  
-The final annual data from the monthly survey 066 (electricity generation for the public supply), for 2015, became available in April 2016. Other annual surveys became available as follows: 064 (heat generation), November 2016; 067 (electricity generation systems of industry), October 2016; 070 (electricity feed-in), November 2016; and 073 (sewage gas), August 2016. Nos. 082/082P also became available in November 2016. +**Association statistics** 
 +In the final Energy Balance, gaps in the available official data are closed, at various points, with data provided by associations (see above). 
 +Also, thanks to the quarterly estimates that the Working Group on Energy Balances carries out in cooperation with energy industry associations, current data and forecasts are available, on an ongoing basis, relative to the development of primary energy consumption in Germany. 
  
-The results of surveys 066 (electricity generation systems for the public supply) and 067 (electricity generation systems for industry) have to be converted via the "Finnish" method. Calculations, checking and processes of consultation with the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), Working Group on Renewable Energy Statistics (Arbeitsgruppe Erneuerbare Energien-Statistik (AGEEStat), Energy Environment Forecast and Analysis (EEFA) institute, and Association of the German Petroleum Industry (MWV) take at least three weeks. The results of survey 060 (energy use by industry), which account for a significant part of the Energy Balances, became available in November 2016.+The BDEW provides important provisional data, dated as of May and August, that are also of relevance to final energy consumption as recorded in the estimate Balance. Every summer, that organisation publishes data under the heading "The German energy market – facts and figures on the gas, electricity and district-heating sectors" ("Energiemarkt Deutschland – Zahlen und Fakten zur Gas-, Strom- und Fernwärmeversorgung"). In addition, the estimated Energy Balance incorporates BDEW data on gross electricity generation, data of Statistik der Kohlenwirtschaft coal-industry statistics, and data of the Fuels&Energy industry association (Wirtschaftsverband Fuels&Energie –  en2x, formerly Mineralölwirtschaftsverband e.V. Association of the German Petroleum Industry). 
  
-Calculations for individual sectors, plausibility checks, checking requests submitted to the Federal Statistical Office (which has to forward the requests to the Länder) and consultations with participating +**Ongoing early estimate of the German Energy Balance, beginning in February of the following year**
-associations take at least three weeks. The results of survey 062 (geothermal energy) became available in November 2016. As a result of such time constraints, an estimated Balance is prepared in July (in a process first carried out for the 2009 report) that incorporates the available official data from survey 066. The remaining data are first estimated and agreed on in cooperation with the AGEB member associations. +
- +
-**Association statistics**+
  
-Data from associations (see above), which become available early, enter into the final Energy Balance.+The fact that the early estimate of the complete German Energy Balance for the previous year now becomes available as of 15 February of each year must be seen as a significant improvement, schedule-wise, in the availability of complete energy data.  The early estimate of the Energy Balance is not based solely on the energy data that are available at the time it is produced; extensive portions of the early Balance (such as those covering final energy consumption) are also based on formal forecasting procedures (models). 
  
-Because quarterly estimates of primary energy consumption in Germany are carried out, provisional data in the relevant areas also become available quickly. The BDEW provides important provisional data, dated as of August, that are also of relevance to final energy consumption as recorded in the estimate Balance.+Details on the approach used in preparing the early estimate of the German Energy Balance are provided in the UBA study “Pilotprojekt zur Frühschätzung der Energiebilanz 2020 und Vergleich zu späteren definierten Datenständen” (“Pilot project on the early estimate of the 2020 Energy Balance, and comparison with later defined data inventories”) from Buttermann & Nieder (2023) [(BUTTERMANN2023)].
  
-Every summer, that organisation publishes data under the heading //"The German energy market – facts and figures on the gas, electricity and district-heating sectors"// ("Energiemarkt Deutschland – Zahlen und Fakten zur Gas-, Strom- und Fernwärmeversorgung"). In addition, the estimated Balance incorporates BDEW data on gross electricity generation, data of Statistik der Kohlenwirtschaft coal-industry statistics, data of the Association of the German Petroleum Industry (MWV) and data of the Deutsche Atomforum nuclear-energy association.+The most-current early estimate of the Energy Balance for the 2022 reporting year will be provided to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) on 15 February 2023.
  
 **Other data** **Other data**
  
-For the final Energy Balance, data on electricity generation from wind energy, photovoltaics and geothermal energy are used that are based on the quantities certified by auditors of transmission system operators (TSO), relative to electricity feed-in and relevant compensation, pursuant to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). Those data become available in August of each year. +All renewable-energies-trends data that are used in Energy Balance preparation are obtained from calculations of the Working Group on Renewable Energy Statistics (Arbeitsgruppe Erneuerbare Energien-Statistik (AGEE-Stat).
-The figures on electricity generation from biomass, and on biomass-fuel inputs in decentralised CHP systems, are based on internal calculations of the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB). In this connection, a method is used that was developed by ZSW and EEFA in the framework of reporting to IEA and Eurostat. With regard to wood consumption in the Residential and Commercial / Institutional sectors, figures of RWI/forsa and of the Thu nen Institute were carried forward. Figures for electricity generation and fuel inputs in small CHP systems fired with natural gas and HEL (< 1 MW) were calculated with data the BHKW (compact combined heat-and-power (CHP) generating systems) database of the Öko-Institut e.V. Institute for Applied Ecology. The same data are used for reporting in the IEA/Eurostat context.+
  
 +Figures for electricity generation and fuel inputs in small CHP systems fired with natural gas and HEL (< 1 MW) were calculated with data the BHKW (compact combined heat-and-power (CHP) generating systems) database of the Öko-Institut e.V. Institute for Applied Ecology. The same data are used for reporting in the IEA/Eurostat context.
 +Data on use of petroleum coke in metallurgical coking plants are provided for the Federal balance by the relevant German Länder, on the basis of an agreement between the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB) and the Länder working group on Energy Balances (Länderarbeitskreis Energiebilanzen).
  
 +[(AGEB2025>AGEB (2025): Working Group on Energy Balances (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Energiebilanzen (Hrsg.), AGEB): Energiebilanz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland; 
 +https://ag-energiebilanzen.de/daten-und-fakten/bilanzen-1990-bis-2030/?wpv-jahresbereich-bilanz=2021-2030, Köln & Berlin, 2025)]
 [(AGEB2003> AGEB, 2003: Energiebilanzen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland - Jahre 1990-1999. Frankfurt a. M.: Verlags- und Wirtschaftsgesellschaft der Elektrizitätswerke. )] [(AGEB2003> AGEB, 2003: Energiebilanzen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland - Jahre 1990-1999. Frankfurt a. M.: Verlags- und Wirtschaftsgesellschaft der Elektrizitätswerke. )]
-[(AGEB2020> AGEB, 2020: Working Group on Energy Balances (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Energiebilanzen (Hrsg.), AGEB): Energiebilanz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland; URL: https://ag-energiebilanzen.de/7-0-Bilanzen-1990-2018.html, Köln & Berlin, 2020.)] +[(AGEB2021> AGEB (2021): Germany's Energy Balance – required revisions (Revisionsbedarf in der Energiebilanz Deutschland): special report of the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB), https://ag-energiebilanzen.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AGEB_InfoAusgabe-3-2023.pdf; 2021)] 
-[(BAFA2020> BAFA, 2020: Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle, BAFA): Amtliche Mineralöldaten für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland;  +[(BAFA2024> BAFA (2024): Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle, BAFA): Infothek zu den Amtlichen Mineralöldaten für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland;  
-URL: https://www.bafa.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Energie/Mineraloel/moel_amtliche_daten_2018_dezember.html, (Aufruf: 29.11.2020), Eschborn, 2020.)] +URL: https://www.bafa.de/SiteGlobals/Forms/Suche/Infothek/Infothek_Sucheinstieg_Rechtsgrundlagen_Formular.html?nn=1468600&sortOrder=dateOfIssue_dt+desc, Eschborn, 2024.)]  
 +[(DESTATIS2025> Destatis (2025): Federal Statsitical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt - Destatis):Quality Reports (Qualitätsberichte: https://www.destatis.de/DE/Methoden/Qualitaet/Qualitaetsberichte/Energie/einfuehrung.html, Wiesbaden, 2025)]
  
 +[(BUTTERMANN2023> Buttermann, H.-G. & Nieder, Th. (2023): Pilot project on the early estimate of the 2020 Energy Balance, and comparison with later defined data inventories (Pilotprojekt zur Frühschätzung der Energiebilanz 2020 - Berechnung einer vorläufigen Version der Energiebilanz zum Berichtsjahr 2020 und Vergleich zu späteren definierten Datenständen);
 +https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/479/publikationen/texte_18-2023_pilotprojekt_zur_fruehschaetzung_der_energiebilanz_2020.pdf; UBA-Texte 18/2023 on order of the Umweltbundesamt, Dessau-Roßlau, Januar 2023)]