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The Energiewende in a nutshell
10 Questions and Answers on the German Energy Transition
Germany is playing a prominent role in the transformation process of global energy system, having adopted one of the most ambitious energy transition programs of all industrial nations – the Energiewende. With this long-term strategy, the country has started to fundamentally transform its power sector by phasing out nuclear and coal in favour of renewable energy. Agora Energiewende has compiled a booklet answering some of the frequently asked questions about the Energiewende. Written in collaboration with the Renewable Energy Institute, it provides a current, accurate and unbiased snapshot of the German experience. The paper focuses on the power sector, which many studies have shown will be crucial to decarbonisation.
“The Energiewende in a Nutshell” delivers substantial answers on the following 10 questions:
- What is the German Energiewende?
- How is Germany progressing with its Energiewende?
- Does Germany import nuclear and coal electricity from neighbouring countries to compensate for the nuclear phase-out?
- Have electricity prices for German households risen due to the development of renewables?
- Have German CO₂ emissions increased because electricity production from coal has risen?
- How has the German Energiewende impacted the domestic economy?
- Is security of supply in Germany threatened by reliance on renewables?
- Are German citizens and the business community supportive of the Energiewende?
- What is the current status of the north-south transmission grid expansion?
- Why did Germany reform its renewable energy legislation and introduce an auction system?
The paper is also available in a Japanese, Spanish and Portugese version. All publications are available for free download below. Further information can be found on the website of the Renewable Energy Institute.
