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The German Energy Crisis: A TENK-based Fiscal Policy Analysis

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  • Gutsch, Alexandra
  • Schult, Christoph

Abstract

We study the aggregate, distributional, and welfare effects of fiscal policy responses to Germany’s energy crisis arising in 2022 using a novel ten-agent new Keynesian (TENK) model. The crisis, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, led to sharp price increases and significant consumption disparities. Our model, calibrated to Germany’s income and consumption distribution, evaluates key policy interventions. We find that untargeted transfers had the largest short-term aggregate impact, while targeted transfers for lower-income households were most costeffective. Other instruments yielded comparably limited welfare gains. The results highlight how targeted fiscal measures can address distributional effects and stabilize consumption during crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Gutsch, Alexandra & Schult, Christoph, 2025. "The German Energy Crisis: A TENK-based Fiscal Policy Analysis," IWH Discussion Papers 1/2025, Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH), revised 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:iwhdps:309416
    DOI: 10.18717/dpdtzw-4c15
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • Q43 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Energy and the Macroeconomy
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy

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