Germany’s coal industry is a stain on its reputation as a climate leader. A group of determined activists are fighting back to keep the Hambacher Forest from becoming a lignite mine. L. Michael Buchsbaum takes a look.
All posts tagged: Germany
Nord Stream 2 pipeline flies in the face of the Paris Accord
Why is Germany still planning on building another pipeline for Russian gas? Investing money in new gas infrastructure makes no economic sense, as falling costs for renewables could cut gas consumption in half by 2030. Paul Hockenos takes a look.
Under pressure from Trump, Germany plans to import fracked gas
While Europe swelters through unprecedented heat, Germany has agreed to build its first terminal for liquefied natural gas. Probably because of pressure from Washington, says L. Michael Buchsbaum.
Renewables overtake coal as Germany’s most important fuel source
As solar and wind surpass coal, the German energy grid desperately needs to adapt. If it’s not flexible, the energy transition will be stalled, says L. Michael Buchsbaum.
Offshore wind rising to challenge king coal in Polish energy market
Poland’s energy and electricity markets are undergoing major changes. As costs fall in the offshore wind industry, it is becoming price-competitive with coal. Building offshore wind farms in the Baltic would provide energy security, fuel clean growth and create jobs.
Berlin divided over cars’ CO2 limits, hindering EU decision
As it decarbonizes its energy sector, Germany’s transportation emissions have remained stubbornly high, even increasing in the past two years. The car industry refuses to modernize even as electric vehicles gain popularity worldwide. Claire Stam of Euractiv takes a look.
Batteries included: Gigafactories advance German energy transition
Energy storage is going to be a huge industry in the transition to renewables, and European countries and producers are moving in on batteries. This is Germany’s chance to bring stable jobs to its former mining regions, and finally phase out coal. L. Michael Buchsbaum takes a look.
A new day for community energy in Europe
The EU institutions have agreed on a new 2030 Renewable Energy Directive. Josh Roberts explains the new opportunities for Europe’s community energy movement.
Frack Germany? Greens sounds the alarm as the frackers strike back
Though many environmentalists cheered two summers ago when Germany’s Bundestag seemingly banned fracking, natural gas production across the country has not stopped. L. Michael Buchsbaum explains how companies are pushing for shale gas fracking, despite its impacts on people’s health and the environment.
Leapfrogging over the gas bridge: how the UK can exit coal and gas
While Germany debates how it should wean itself off of coal, several other European nations have already made the decision to transition in that direction. L. Michael Buchsbaum takes a look at a new report by the World Wildlife Fund and Sandbag, which lays out a path for the UK to exit both coal and gas.