Instead of 22 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, the levy under the amended plan will only shave off 16 million tonnes of German emissions, according to an internal ministry paper seen by Recharge.

In order to still reach the target of cutting 40% of Germany's CO2 emissions from 1990 levels, the ministry now suggests to cut a further six million tonnes through other measures such as an increase in the support for combined cycle power plants, extra support for electric mobility pilot projects, and further emission cuts in rail traffic.