Scientists and politicians around the world agree that energy provision must be transformed from reliance on fossil fuels to renewables to combat global warming. But how can this happen while maintaining, or even improving, the international competitiveness of industrialized nations like Germany? Philip Emmerich and Dr. Manuel Baumann assess Germany’s status among leading OECD countries and China regarding energy transition technologies and patents. Maintaining international competitiveness Germany has its work cut out to achieve its ambitious energy goals of phasing out nuclear energy by 2022 and fossil fuels by 2038. Key to meeting this zealous goal is prioritizing innovation in renewable power generation, distribution and storage, as well as in the heat, industrial and transport sectors. The bold energy transition entails risks, but alsoenormous economic potential for improved and innovative energy technologies, which would offer frontrunner countries a leadership position in promising technology areas. Therefore, governments want to stimulate investment in R&D through a patent system that creates temporary monopolies as an incentive for innovations by granting exclusive and prohibitive rights to the patent holder.  … Continue reading Who is leading in patents for the Energy Transition?