Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Peat Country Notes

Germany

The majority of around 14 000 km² of peat-lands is in the northern Länder of Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and Brandenburg. Most of Germany's fens have been drained, the land being used for agriculture, mainly grassland farming.

Out of the total area covered by raised bogs, approximately 60% is farmed, with only a small proportion (less than 10%) exploited for peat production. Present-day use of peat for fuel in rural areas is reported to be very limited, virtually all production being destined for agricultural/horticultural uses or for the manufacture of activated carbon. About 120 thousand tonnes per year of energy-grade peat is exported.