energy policy and renewables

German energy policy change

Germany's Energy Transition

What exactly is Germany's 'Energiewende'?

JUWI solar park in Germany
Quelle: JUWI
Fotograf: Jan Hosan

Germany is in the process of completely transforming its energy sector at a pace unmatched by other industrialized nations. Nuclear power is being phased out as renewables are gradually taking over.

What lies ahead for Germany's energy transition?

A lot to do

Germany's nuclear phase out is one of the most important issues facing legislators. Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that the foundation is in place, but that the country "still has a lot to do." So what still needs to be done to ensure the transition from nuclear and fossil energy to renewables is smooth and affordable?
What lies ahead for Germany's energy transition?

Röttgen's baby

The Fukushima nuclear disaster of March 2011 changed everything. Plans, agreed only months before, to extend the life spans of nuclear plants were abandoned. The phase out was brought forward to 2022. Chancellor Merkel directed then-Environment Minister Röttgen to oversee the shift to a greater dependence on renewable energy - a Herculean task given the timeframe.
What lies ahead for Germany's energy transition?

Growing wind power

The environment ministry is satisfied with Germany's progress in developing renewable energy over the past decade. Today it accounts for about 20 percent of electricity. Wind energy provides the bulk of the country's clean power. The next frontier for wind is the development of offshore wind parks. This may require government loan guarantees, which divides Merkel's administration.
What lies ahead for Germany's energy transition?

The challenge for the grid

The challenge, especially for wind, is getting it from where it is generated to where it is needed. More renewable energy means more and smarter grid infrastructure, capable of delivering power over long distances from the north of Germany to the south and west. The roll out of power lines has progressed slowly in the face of local opposition, proving a critical bottleneck.
What lies ahead for Germany's energy transition?

The solar dispute

Feed-in tariffs for clean energies have driven a rush to install solar panels on homes. Merkel's junior coalition partners complain that solar tariffs account for half the support for renewable energies, but deliver only a fraction of Germany's power. This year the government slashed the guaranteed prices for solar by up to 30 percent, but Merkel faces opposition to the move in the upper house.
What lies ahead for Germany's energy transition?

Coal remains a pillar

Coal remains Germany's main source of power. Its carbon emissions will ultimately need to be radically curbed to meet climate targets. Germany will likely have to rely either on more gas or more coal in the next few years, until renewables fill the gap left by nuclear power. The government aims for clean power to deliver 30 percent of electricity by 2020. The industry hopes to meet 47 percent.
What lies ahead for Germany's energy transition?

Increasing energy efficiency

Between 2012 and 2014, the German government plans to expand support for home insulation projects to 1.5 billion euros a year. The environment ministry says it wants to see "ambitious" standards introduced for energy efficiency. By 2050, Germany aims to cut reduce energy consumed for heating in buildings by 80 percent.
What lies ahead for Germany's energy transition?

Public information, or disinformation?

People don't always know how much energy products consume, which is why the environment ministry is pushing for greater transparency. Energy ratings systems are available, but they can be misleading. For example, cars are allowed to factor their weight into their rating, which can allow some gas-guzzling SUVs to pass themselves off as efficient.
What lies ahead for Germany's energy transition?

Researching energy storage

Although large amounts of renewable energy have become routine for Germany's grid, one major problem persists: storage. This would help offset fluctuations in supply. Battery technologies haven't advanced as fast as the rest of the sector, which is why the government is spending 3.5 billion on research programs to develop advanced storage systems.
What lies ahead for Germany's energy transition?

A minister of energy?

EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger wants to see better coordination, for example through a federal energy ministry that would oversee the policies of Germany's various levels of government. At the moment, the integration of European networks is hampered by too many rules and authorities. This will be one of the biggest challenges facing Germany's new environment minister.
What lies ahead for Germany's energy transition?

A new chief

Peter Altmaier, former party whip, took over the post of environment minister on Tuesday, May 22, 2012. He replaced Norbert Röttgen, whom Merkel dismissed in the wake of a disastrous election campaign to lead the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Author: Tobias Oelmaier | Editor : Nathan Witkop

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