We’ve talked before about the European Union’s efforts to deliver clean energy for all Europeans, and the fact that Germany’s energy transition will need Europe to be successful. But how will that cooperation look in practice? Today, Rebecca Bertram discusses a recent report about how German policymakers can shape the European energy debate.
All posts tagged: Germany
“Too much renewables” is a political decision
While Americans chose to curtail wind and solar rather than conventional energy, the Germans say baseload plants (coal and nuclear) are the problem. That’s because the matter isn’t simply technical, though it is described as such. It’s mainly political. Craig Morris explains.
What you haven’t heard yet about Germany’s day of record low coal
Over the long weekend of April 30 to May 1 (International Labor Day), low power demand joined forces with strong wind and solar power production. As a result, coal power in Germany hit a record low. But by focusing on coal, we might be missing the big story: the country’s nuclear fleet may have ramped more than any in history.
The mining curse haunts lignite towns
On this site we have often explored what comes after coal. Here, Jeffrey Michel offers a look at the German mining communities being hard hit by the financial and environmental consequences. In particular, towns in Lusatia are suffering.
Greece’s first battery storage system under way in the Aegean Sea
The island of Tilos in Greece’s Aegean Sea is going to host the country’s first renewable energy plus battery storage system. The microgrid will be able to support the island’s population, replacing diesel generators. Ilias Tsagas of pv magazine explores why this is so significant for Greece.
Germany starts to address sustainable mobility
The new think tank Agora Verkehrswende has come up with 12 theses for an energy transition in transportation, and Germany’s environmental Agency (UBA) has published its ideas about the “city of tomorrow.” There is a consensus in the sales pitch, as Craig Morris explains.
The global energy system is changing, and customers must take centre stage
The energy transition isn’t just about adding more renewables to the system – it’s about changing and democratizing energy production. Peter Terrium of Innogy writes on his experiences in the PV sector, the importance of the consumer, and the role of utilities.
Germany to get free offshore wind! Wait, what?
The recent news of alleged “subsidy-free” offshore wind power in Germany has drawn a lot of international attention. Craig Morris spoke with Andreas Wagner, head of Germany’s Offshore Wind Foundation, not only about the reasons, which have been well reported, but about some downsides, which have not.
The German Greens: federal impact from the state level
The German chapter of the Green Party may be the strongest in the world – so how is it faring in numerous coalition governments? Can other countries with different political systems learn from the German experience? Craig Morris explains a new study.
March was a record month for renewable power in Germany
Renewable energy made up just over 41% of Germany’s power supply last month, the most ever at around 19.5 TWh. It’s a good thing, too, because nuclear power production may have fallen to its lowest monthly level since the 1970s – even though no nuclear plant has been switched off since 2015. Meanwhile, has France’s tentative nuclear reduction reached a milestone? Craig Morris takes a look.