Energy And Raw Materials : Germany

The Federal Republic has little in the way of raw materials and energy and is therefore largely dependent upon imports. It has to buy two thirds of its primary energy from other countries. Its dependence on minerals from abroad is also considerable. Germany has few deposits of iron ore and oil. Up to one quarter of its natural gas consumption can be met from domestic sources. Germany does, however, have large deposits of hard coal, lignite and salt, reserves which will last for many decades. At least for the time being, geological and climatic factors still severely limit its economically exploitable renewable sources of energy.