The Building Electromobility Infrastructure Act (GEIG)
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Navigating the Building Electric Mobility Infrastructure Act (GEIG): A Guide for Site Partners
The Building Electric Mobility Infrastructure Act (GEIG) is a law intended to promote the expansion of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in the building sector.... It addresses both new infrastructure construction and the retrofitting of existing buildings.
Purpose and Scope
The GEIG aims to accelerate the development of the necessary infrastructure for charging electric vehicles in buildings.... The law implements Article 8, paragraphs 2 to 6 of the European Union Directive 2018/844, which amends Directive 2010/31/EU on the overall energy efficiency of buildings, into German national law.... The directive is generally referred to as the Building Directive.... The GEIG focuses on charging infrastructure for cars and vans, as specified in the EU directive.
Key Aspects for Site Partners
Understanding the GEIG is crucial for site partners, especially when considering the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at various locations. Here is what you need to know:
New Constructions: The GEIG sets requirements for the installation of both the physical infrastructure (cables and lines) and the charging points themselves in new buildings.
Existing Buildings: The law also applies to existing buildings undergoing major renovations, especially those involving parking areas. If a renovation affects more than 25% of the building's surface, it may result in requirements to upgrade the parking area with EV infrastructure....
Exemptions: It's important to note that the GEIG does not apply to buildings owned by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and primarily used by them....
Enforcement: Compliance with the GEIG is ensured through a "Declaration of Fulfillment".... This declaration confirms that the building meets the legal requirements.
Role of Federal and State Governments: While the GEIG sets the framework, individual federal states have the authority to regulate specific procedures, such as who is entitled to issue the "Declaration of Fulfillment."
Uniform Digital Format: To facilitate the planning of charging locations, Section 14d of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) requires network operators to create network plans of the high and medium voltage levels. By the second quarter of 2023, the BMWK (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action) will introduce reliable measures to ensure that these are available in a uniform digital format (GIS data format, etc.).
Potential Impacts and Coordination with Other Regulations
Gas Station Supply Requirement: The study "Charging Infrastructure 2025-2030" mentions that both the GEIG and the planned gas station supply requirement will significantly influence the expansion of charging infrastructure in Germany.
AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation): The Masterplan Charging Infrastructure II notes that the AFIR, which will replace the existing directive, is to set ambitious minimum targets for the expansion of publicly accessible charging infrastructure in EU member states. The federal government intends to adapt its national legal framework to the AFIR, which may further increase the requirements for EV infrastructure.
Network Connection: Charging infrastructure operators (CPOs) operating in multiple network areas often face different connection conditions, leading to inefficiencies. The BMWK is addressing this in a sector dialogue to streamline network connections.
Important Dates and Timelines
Evaluation of the GEIG: By the end of 2023, the BMWK planned, with support from BMWSB and BMDV, to evaluate the GEIG and develop adjustments, taking into account the revision of the EU Directive on the overall energy efficiency of buildings (EPBD).
Implementation in Federal Agencies: Federal agencies should examine how 25% of their parking spaces can be equipped with charging facilities or at least pre-wiring by the end of 2023, with implementation by 2025.
New Non-Residential Buildings: Non-residential buildings had to be equipped with charging points after January 1, 2025.
Outlook
The GEIG is not a static law. The federal government recognizes the need for continuous adaptation. Changes and harmonization efforts, both at the national and EU level, are expected to shape the future of EV charging infrastructure in buildings.
I hope this blog post helps you understand the sources and navigate the complexity of the GEIG.