In April 2000, the Renewable Energies Act (EEG) was adopted, in particular with the objective of increasing the share of renewable energies in the generation of power. Biomass is one of the supported energy sources. In June 2001, the Federal Government and the energy sector signed an agreement regarding the reduction of CO₂ emissions and promotion of combined heat and power generation. With this voluntary commitment, the energy industry agreed to make a substantial contribution towards meeting the targeted climate policy objectives.