While the world celebrates unprecedented renewable capacity additions, there are clear signs that this growth stops for wind and solar at a small share of the market. Italy and Spain are perfect examples for this, explains Craig Morris.
All posts tagged: Democracy
The common goals of the Pope and clean energy
With the release of his encyclical “Laudatio Si”, the pope has called people around the world for swift action against climate change and for environmental protection. Paul Stinson is glad that at this critical moment in time, the Pope is helping to change the tone of the global conversation.
Germany to miss its renewable energy target for 2020
While Germany roars ahead with renewable electricity, too little is happening with heat and transportation. Now, a study finds that Germany is likely not only to miss its carbon reduction target by the end of this decade, but also the target for the share of renewables in all energy. Craig Morris says the Germans are clearly stumbling through their Energiewende – and that’s good news for other countries going down a similar path.
The solar price revolution
Solar power is rapidly becoming the cheapest source of electricity available in many regions of the world. It will help limit climate change, allow the electrification of remote areas and democratize energy production, as Klaus Töpfer explains.
What energy democracy looks like
One of Germany’s political foundations, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, has produced a video in English explaining the term “energy democracy” to North Americans. It was made in cooperation with labor unions and thus focuses on job creation. Craig Morris likes the presentation but fears some main points might not be highlighted enough.
French nuclear power history – the unknown story
The French energy transition and the Energiewende – a comparison
Repeatedly, critics of Germany’s energy transition say that France’s transition is a better model to follow. A closer look, however, reveals an impressive amount of overlapping. Craig Morris and Arne Jungjohann investigate.
49 percent of Germans doubt success of Energiewende
Two surveys published in January show where the public and the business world perceives shortcomings in Germany’s energy transition. Support remains high, however. Craig Morris investigates.
Germany’s Energiewende requires sophisticated governance, political stamina
Conceptualizing a policy as broad and ambitious as Energiewende – Germany’s goal to transition nearly 100 percent of its electricity supply to renewable energy by 2050 – is one thing. Implementing it is another thing entirely. What is required is good governance, as Peter Sopher explains.
Two political lessons from Germany’s Energiewende
How did Germany’s Energiewende proponents gain enough support to get the transition going? Peter Sopher takes a look at support coalitions and financial incentives.