Boosting renewable energies and using existing sources more efficiently are the two main pillar of the German energy transition, better known as Energiewende. Both pillars contribute to the goal of lowering the dependence on energy imports.
Europe started the renewable energy revolution but is no longer its main driver. More ambitious decarbonisation policy would benefit innovative companies, boost the economy and protect the environment, writes Christopher Burghardt.
Germany's plans to pay companies to shift power capacity to a coal-fired reserve from 2017 may well breach EU rules, legal experts at the German parliament have found, a document seen by Reuters on Thursday showed.
The German government will announce on Thursday (2 July) a decision to order the shutdown of several coal-fired plants in order to reach its ambitious climate goals by 2020, according to government sources.
The German government has settled with the country's four nuclear companies on four interim storage facilities for radioactive waste that is currently stored abroad, but Bavaria is up in arms over the decision. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Despite the ambitious 2-degree-target set by G7 leaders, experts warn against premature elation ahead of the UN Climate Summit in Paris, saying Germany’s solo run, in particular, is a threat to Europe’s efforts to protect the climate. EURACTIV Germany reports.
G7 countries have agreed on a binding 2 degree target for limiting global warming but critics say it is a mystery how the plan is supposed to work, particularly in light of a worldwide coal boom, which Oxfam says is costing the Global South billions. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Amid skepticism from many member states over the Commission’s planned European Energy Union, Germany is seeking to set an example by establishing a single energy market with its “electric neighbours”. EURACTIV Germany reports.
No form of support for renewable energy sources has an effect on the actual amount of CO2 reduction, says Magdeburg-based environmental economist Joachim Weimann, recommending emissions trading and burden-sharing with developing countries to tackle climate change.
In the debate over the future of coal, Economic Affairs Minister Sigmar Gabriel is under considerable pressure from unions and workers councils, who fear his planned climate fee will cut thousands of jobs. EURACTIV Germany reports.
After much debate, the Merkel government has signed off on a draft law that would permit fracking in Germany, causing an uproar among opposition politicians and environmentalists, as well as coalition members. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Sigmar Gabriel’s plans to demand climate fees from Germany's old power plants faces considerable opposition, especially from regions dependent on lignite, which claim the measure could eliminate thousands of jobs and raise energy prices. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Critics argue that Germany’s energy transition is too risky. But in Berlin, Economic Affairs Minister Sigmar Gabriel, and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier promised that renewables will foster a greener lifestyle, and create prosperity. EURACTIV Germany reports.
German Economic Affairs Minister Sigmar Gabriel's new alliance of politicians, unions and business associations will try to help German industry adapt to demographic change, the Energiewende and digitalisation. The partnership will also try to improve acceptance of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and renewable energy. EURACTIV Germany reports.
“It is simply not worth it to invest in coal power plants," says Bärbel Höhn. Speaking to EURACTIV Poland, the German lawmaker talks about the realities of the Energiewende, its costs and benefits, as well as its impact on coal-rich areas.
The German government has tabled a draft law permitting fracking in the country, with environmental associations criticising the draft as fragmented and risky, calling on the government to concentrate on implementing the Energiewende, instead. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Germany’s Energiewende seeks to phase-out nuclear energy and shift to renewables by 2022, but a recent study suggests the country will still be dependent on fossil fuels like oil, coal and natural gas for many years. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Swelling CO2 emissions from coal-fired power generation hurt Germany’s score in the latest global climate protection index compiled by the NGO Germanwatch. But the government’s latest action plan could bring about positive change. EURACTIV Germany reports.
According to a paper from the German Economic Affairs Ministry, the government plans to impose carbon dioxide reductions on energy providers. But Energy Minister Sigmar Gabriel denies the plan would forcefully shut down outdated coal-fired power plants. EURACTIV Germany reports.
In order to meet EU energy efficiency targets, the German government has tabled a national action plan, including a tendering model for improving energy efficiency and tax rebates for the purchase of electric cars and building renovations. EURACTIV Germany reports.
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