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In the wake of failed attempts to amend the Electricity Feed Law (EFL) before the summer break, energy expert for the Christian Democratic Union party, Kurt-Dieter Grill, has re-launched an initiative for a new renewable energies action programme aimed at doubling their contribution to German electricity consumption. He wants renewables to supply 11% of electricity consumption by 2010. Grill's idea, first presented at the end of last year but given limited attention, revolves around creating a tender procedure for fixed amounts of renewable capacity. Utilities would have to take the power on to their grids for about the same price as they pay for conventional power. The difference would be paid out of a special fund of DEM 240 million in the first year and rising to DEM 2.4 billion in ten years time. The fund would be fed by a levy on electricity prices, to be set initially at DEM 0.0015/kWh but rising to DEM 0.015/kWh. A parliamentary hearing on the EFL, which holds the key to the German wind market, is scheduled for September 8.