Germany has made progress expanding renewable energy but also faced challenges. The Energiewende movement increased renewable energy but also costs. Germany's transition from feed-in tariffs to auctions and plans to phase out nuclear power by 2022 have been ambitious but difficult. High energy costs threaten German industry competitiveness compared to nuclear power in France. Germany must still improve its electricity grid and find solutions to integrate renewable energy while ensuring stable, affordable power.
Smart Hidro Power de Alemania presento el panorama de Alemania en el ámbito de las energías renovables no convencionales, mostrando la participación del estado y de las entidades sin ánimo de lucro como DENA
Crown eco capital management/Renewable Energy: The Vision And A Dose Of Reali...Emilio Deiryme
In recent years, there has been more and more talk of a transition to renewable energy on the grounds of climate change, and an increasing range of public policies designed to move in this direction. Not only do advocates envisage, and suggest to custodians of the public purse, a future of 100% renewable energy, but they suggest that this can be achieved very rapidly, in perhaps a decade or two, if sufficient political will can be summoned. See for instance this 2009 Plan to Power 100 Percent of the Planet with Renewables:
Energiewende är den process som just nu pågår i Tyskland där landet fasar ut kärnkraft och går över till vind- och solkraft. 280 000 nya jobb! Kan världens fjärde största industrination så borde ju vi kunna som har nästan hälften av vårt energibehov täckt av vattenkraft.
:Germany is concerned about climate change. Germany has always taken a proactive stance on international climate change agreements: Bonn 1995 Commitments of the government Hosting the UNFCCC Secretariat National and EU policies Current commitment: EU: 20 % emissions reductions by 2020; 20 % renewables, 20 % energy efficiency. In case of new climate agreement: 30 % reduction.
Smart Hidro Power de Alemania presento el panorama de Alemania en el ámbito de las energías renovables no convencionales, mostrando la participación del estado y de las entidades sin ánimo de lucro como DENA
Crown eco capital management/Renewable Energy: The Vision And A Dose Of Reali...Emilio Deiryme
In recent years, there has been more and more talk of a transition to renewable energy on the grounds of climate change, and an increasing range of public policies designed to move in this direction. Not only do advocates envisage, and suggest to custodians of the public purse, a future of 100% renewable energy, but they suggest that this can be achieved very rapidly, in perhaps a decade or two, if sufficient political will can be summoned. See for instance this 2009 Plan to Power 100 Percent of the Planet with Renewables:
Energiewende är den process som just nu pågår i Tyskland där landet fasar ut kärnkraft och går över till vind- och solkraft. 280 000 nya jobb! Kan världens fjärde största industrination så borde ju vi kunna som har nästan hälften av vårt energibehov täckt av vattenkraft.
:Germany is concerned about climate change. Germany has always taken a proactive stance on international climate change agreements: Bonn 1995 Commitments of the government Hosting the UNFCCC Secretariat National and EU policies Current commitment: EU: 20 % emissions reductions by 2020; 20 % renewables, 20 % energy efficiency. In case of new climate agreement: 30 % reduction.
Executive summary for Last Chance Saloon for CSP (Concentrated Solar Power)Simon Thompson
This is the executive summary for "Last Chance Saloon for Gen 3 CSP" which is a report and forecast from Rethink Energy.
It’s about the global Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) business which, although small compared to photovoltaic or wind power, will be a $10 billion global industry by 2030. How so?
Previous CSP marquee projects such as the “tower power” plants of the Mojave Desert have proved to be expensive and R&D-hungry. Although impressive, they’ve tarnished the sector and in recent years investment has gone elsewhere.
It means that CSP has effectively lain moribund for a decade.
But in recent years a new wave of technology-driven CSP companies have brought a swathe of minor innovations, improvements on efficiency and cheaper equipment to the market.
CSP can now provide temperatures of 1,000 degrees Celsius, enabling the technology to play a role in the decarbonization of the cement, steelmaking, and mining industries. And in China there are plans to use CSP on the power grid as “peak-shaving” energy storage.
Does this mean that this 3rd generation of CSP activity will lead to profitable returns? What are the new technologies and who are the players? And what will be the impact of the global demand for hydrogen on CSP?
The answer to these questions and more can be found in Last Chance Saloon for Gen 3 CSP in this 30-page report, illustrated with graphs and accompanied by an Excel spreadsheet with projections.
Check out
https://rethinkresearch.biz/reports-category/rethink-energy-research/
for more details about this forecast and the Rethink Energy service
* Describes the situation regarding wind power in several regions and countries.
* Defines repowering - replacing small/mid-size turbines on highly productive sites with newer and larger turbines.
* Analyses the developing market for used wind turbines.
* Discusses the option of re-using second-hand turbines.
* Each potential project needs to be discussed individually.
Next steps for the renewable energy industry in the UK: The case of solarJeremy Leggett
How is solar faring globally? The answer is a success story redolent with potential to inspire progress on wider fronts of the battle for a livable future. How is solar faring in the UK? That is a story incongruent with the global picture. Why? What needs to be done to set things right? My presentation for a conference tomorrow in Westminster offers some suggestions.
A Green New Deal 2018 - energy and jobs in the UKJeremy Leggett
Repairing economies requires major new investments in sustainable-energy jobs (that will more than pay themselves back), and the UK is a perfect example
The great global energy transition - a report from the front lines as of 31st...Jeremy Leggett
If we look at the total system change going on in energy out of context, the picture could be rosy. But in climate-change context, the transition is not going fast enough. And it is held back by the oil and gas industries' diehard advocacy of gas, in a world where the IEA tells us the carbon budget is used up, and no more fossil fuel infrastructure of any kind can be built. This presentation considers how and when Big Oil's rearguard action will stop, and they themselves begin genuinely to transition.
This presentation was delivered at an evening meeting of the Energy Institute's Young Professionals Network in London on 31st January.
Modernising the european lignite triangleForum Energii
In a new study, Agora Energiewende and Forum Energii analyse the opportunity for a phase out from lignite and the effects this would have in the power sector in Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany by 2032. The study finds that an accelerated phase out is technically and economically feasible if coordinated among the three countries – provided, lignite is being substituted by renewable energy sources.
Presentation by Leire Gorroño-Albizu, PhD Fellow, Sustainable Energy Planning Research Group, Aalborg University at the World Wind Energy Association webinar, 30 April 2020
China's vision for climate action ....and related issues pertinent to common ...Jeremy Leggett
This presentation is the basis for my contribution to a panel discussion on climate solutions organised by the New York Times and The Conduit Club in London today. The focus was on China. In the pictures-and-charts slideshow, I first summarise trends in the Chinese response to climate change, which I see as strongly net positive. I then argue that action on climate change in isolation is not enough in the modern world, for China or any other major power. The compound threats we now face from tech and its uses require a holistic approach to security - environmental, economic, and military.
The presentation is derived from the chronology in pictures and charts of selected developments in energy, climate, tech and the future of civilization on my website, Future Today: www.jeremyleggett.net
Executive summary for Last Chance Saloon for CSP (Concentrated Solar Power)Simon Thompson
This is the executive summary for "Last Chance Saloon for Gen 3 CSP" which is a report and forecast from Rethink Energy.
It’s about the global Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) business which, although small compared to photovoltaic or wind power, will be a $10 billion global industry by 2030. How so?
Previous CSP marquee projects such as the “tower power” plants of the Mojave Desert have proved to be expensive and R&D-hungry. Although impressive, they’ve tarnished the sector and in recent years investment has gone elsewhere.
It means that CSP has effectively lain moribund for a decade.
But in recent years a new wave of technology-driven CSP companies have brought a swathe of minor innovations, improvements on efficiency and cheaper equipment to the market.
CSP can now provide temperatures of 1,000 degrees Celsius, enabling the technology to play a role in the decarbonization of the cement, steelmaking, and mining industries. And in China there are plans to use CSP on the power grid as “peak-shaving” energy storage.
Does this mean that this 3rd generation of CSP activity will lead to profitable returns? What are the new technologies and who are the players? And what will be the impact of the global demand for hydrogen on CSP?
The answer to these questions and more can be found in Last Chance Saloon for Gen 3 CSP in this 30-page report, illustrated with graphs and accompanied by an Excel spreadsheet with projections.
Check out
https://rethinkresearch.biz/reports-category/rethink-energy-research/
for more details about this forecast and the Rethink Energy service
* Describes the situation regarding wind power in several regions and countries.
* Defines repowering - replacing small/mid-size turbines on highly productive sites with newer and larger turbines.
* Analyses the developing market for used wind turbines.
* Discusses the option of re-using second-hand turbines.
* Each potential project needs to be discussed individually.
Next steps for the renewable energy industry in the UK: The case of solarJeremy Leggett
How is solar faring globally? The answer is a success story redolent with potential to inspire progress on wider fronts of the battle for a livable future. How is solar faring in the UK? That is a story incongruent with the global picture. Why? What needs to be done to set things right? My presentation for a conference tomorrow in Westminster offers some suggestions.
A Green New Deal 2018 - energy and jobs in the UKJeremy Leggett
Repairing economies requires major new investments in sustainable-energy jobs (that will more than pay themselves back), and the UK is a perfect example
The great global energy transition - a report from the front lines as of 31st...Jeremy Leggett
If we look at the total system change going on in energy out of context, the picture could be rosy. But in climate-change context, the transition is not going fast enough. And it is held back by the oil and gas industries' diehard advocacy of gas, in a world where the IEA tells us the carbon budget is used up, and no more fossil fuel infrastructure of any kind can be built. This presentation considers how and when Big Oil's rearguard action will stop, and they themselves begin genuinely to transition.
This presentation was delivered at an evening meeting of the Energy Institute's Young Professionals Network in London on 31st January.
Modernising the european lignite triangleForum Energii
In a new study, Agora Energiewende and Forum Energii analyse the opportunity for a phase out from lignite and the effects this would have in the power sector in Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany by 2032. The study finds that an accelerated phase out is technically and economically feasible if coordinated among the three countries – provided, lignite is being substituted by renewable energy sources.
Presentation by Leire Gorroño-Albizu, PhD Fellow, Sustainable Energy Planning Research Group, Aalborg University at the World Wind Energy Association webinar, 30 April 2020
China's vision for climate action ....and related issues pertinent to common ...Jeremy Leggett
This presentation is the basis for my contribution to a panel discussion on climate solutions organised by the New York Times and The Conduit Club in London today. The focus was on China. In the pictures-and-charts slideshow, I first summarise trends in the Chinese response to climate change, which I see as strongly net positive. I then argue that action on climate change in isolation is not enough in the modern world, for China or any other major power. The compound threats we now face from tech and its uses require a holistic approach to security - environmental, economic, and military.
The presentation is derived from the chronology in pictures and charts of selected developments in energy, climate, tech and the future of civilization on my website, Future Today: www.jeremyleggett.net
By spelling out the rights and remedies of the consumers in a market so far dominated by organized manufacturers and traders of goods and providers of various types of services, the Act makes buyer beware a thing of the past.
Johannes KINDLER, former vice-chairman of the “BundesNetzAgentur” (the German Federal Network Agency) and currently working for an international law firm: Bird&Bird, spoke about the development of German power grid: its issues and the need for European policies for networks.
Created virtual company which provides solutions on Project Feasibility, Viability Alternatives, Current Scenario Project Development, Plans Budgeting and Costing, Strategic Management of Solar energy.
How Renewables and Distributed Resources Have Impacted Transmission in GermanyScottMadden, Inc.
ScottMadden recently joined the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) to lead a group of approximately 30 U.S. energy industry executives to the bellwether energy market of Germany to exchange information with electricity and solar market leaders who are adapting to change in this dynamic and controversial environment. This select group of executives met with energy industry peers with the goal of returning with insights and practical knowledge that can be applied to planning and business decisions in the United States. The trip featured face-to-face meetings with thought leaders and decision makers from the electric utility, transmission, and renewable energy industries; government, trade, and industry associations; and market experts.
During the Transmission Executive Forum West, Chris Vlahoplus, partner and clean tech & sustainability practice leader at ScottMadden, presented the case study, “How Renewables and Distributed Resource Penetration Impacted Transmission in Germany.” This presentation, based on the recent fact-finding mission trip, focused on Germany and explored how grid operations have changed and how transmission flows and utility revenues have been affected.
The report below provides an overview of German energy transformation, highlights the status of renewable generation penetration, and discusses the impact on transmission investment and reliability.
Carsten Rolle, Executive Director WEC Germany WEC Italia
Slides presentate in occasione del Seminario "The Energy transition in Europe: different pathways, same destination? organizzato da Edison in collaborazione con WEC Italia il 29 maggio 2013 a Roma - TWITTER #NRGstrategy
The CLEW “Reporter’s Guide to the Energiewende” gives journalists a starting point for their work, highlighting the main storylines of the energy transition, providing lists of experts and links to key readings. The guide complements the website, which has plenty more in-depth information, links and contacts.
The CLEW “Reporter’s Guide to the Energiewende” gives journalists a starting point for their work, highlighting the main storylines of the energy transition, providing lists of experts and links to key readings. The guide complements the website, which has plenty more in-depth information, links and contacts.
Europe's Changing Energy Future - MSLGROUP Energy Report July 2014MSL
A few years ago, who would have imagined a world where shale is rewriting geopolitics, where solar and wind are supplanting coal in Germany, or where there are serious concerns over the lights starting to go out in the UK. One thing is clear – the European Energy landscape is changing at a pace that has never been seen before. In our fifth report, we bring you in-depth commentary from energy experts in Brussels, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK. Connect with us to seek advice on attracting the best talent, investor communication; crisis preparedness and corporate reputation management. http://www.mslgroup.com
To find out more about MSLGROUP’s services, please contact Nick Bastin on nick.bastin@capitalmsl.com | Share your feedback with us on twitter @msl_group.
Philipp Steinberg - La transición energética en Europa y el cambio climáticoFundación Ramón Areces
Entre el 30 de junio y el 2 de julio de 2014 organizamos en la Fundación Ramón Areces (C/ Vitruvio, 5, en Madrid) un curso de verano en colaboración con la Universidad Complutense de Madrid sobre los retos energéticos de Europa ante el cambio climático. En estas jornadas, diferentes expertos analizaron la transición energética en Europa para cumplir las exigencias de los compromisos internacionales en materia de emisiones de CO2.
Keeping The Lights On - MSLGROUP Energy Report January 2014MSL
Rising consumer prices, unrealistic renewable energy subsidies, crumbling financial models -- in this report, we share insights on the challenges facing the European power market and the role of communications in trying to re-establish trust and build empathy between producers and their customers.
At MSLGROUP, we represent a wide range of power companies across Europe, ranging from large scale utilities to small scale renewables; from nuclear to solar and all points in between. We are actively engaged in helping our clients communicate around these issues and relish the challenge! We hope that you enjoy this report and welcome your feedback.
So don’t hesitate to contact us with your thoughts.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
Germany’s success and failure that japan should learn from
1. Research Report on
Renewable Energy Policies
~ Germany’s success and failure that
Japan should learn from ~
March 21, 2015
Kazuo Ishikawa, Representative
Institute for Industrial Growth and
Social Security Policy (NPO)
2. <Date> March 9 – 14, 2015
<Visited sites> A total of 10 sites including Germany’s federal government offices
(5 departments), state government offices (2 states), industry organization, consumer
organization and renewable energy business
<Main research themes>
(1)Energiewende (renewable energy expansion and nuclear power phase-out)
movement
(2)Renewable energy reform (transition from FIT to reverse auction)
(3)“Nuclear power phase-out by 2022”
(4)Transmission network development (Construction of north-to-south lines)
(5)Increase of cost burden resulting from the introduction of renewable energies
(6)Comparison between “Germany, the renewable energy superpower” and “France,
the nuclear power superpower”
(7)Relations with other countries with respect to “nuclear phase-out and renewable
energy expansion”
3. (1)Energiewende (renewable energy expansion and nuclear energy phase-out)
movement ❶
◎ The Energiewende (Energy Transition) movement began before the
Chernobyl accident in 1986.
◎ The accidents in Chernobyl and Fukushima accelerated the trend.
◎ The target to phase-out nuclear energy by 2022 was adopted after the
Fukushima accident.
◎ German people have a high regard for Energiewende.
◎ However, the price of fossil fuels did not rise as expected. Higher fossil
fuel prices would have given a competitive edge to renewable energies.
◎ The FIT (feed-in-tariff system), introduced in 2000, contributed to
mitigating CO2 emissions and improving the ratio of renewable energies
(topping 25% in 2014).
◎ Yet, wind and solar energies have proliferated more than expected. Solar
energy, in particular, has been bubble-inflated.
4. Photovoltaic bubble in Germany since 2010
(Source: Deutsche Energie-Agentur (German Energy Agency)
5. (1)Energiewende (renewable energy expansion and nuclear power phase-out)
movement ❷
◎ Germany’s photovoltaic bubble since 2010
◎ Sales expansion of cheap Chinese solar panels and FIT left too high
→ More-than-expected increase of renewable energy surcharge and renewable power generation
beyond grid capacity
◎ Under certain weather conditions, solar power generates power greater than grid capacity.
◎ The grid must be reinforced to ensure supply stability.
→ In 2012, the government capped the total amount of solar-generated electricity it buys back.
◎ Allowing excessive proliferation of solar systems was a common cause of failure for Germany and
Japan.
→ In Germany, new solar installations have decreased substantially since peaking in 2012 and
will continue to tumble.
→ What should Japan do?
◎ For about ten years after FIT introduction, general public led renewable energy investments (over
30%).
→ Germany’s renewable energy proliferation was a “grass-root revolution”
◎ Future concerns include the costs of transmission infrastructures and facility upgrading.
→ Can individual consumers cover the cost of facility upgrading?
6. (2)Renewable energy reform (transition from FIT to reverse auction)
◎ Following the law amendment in 2014, the government aims to make a full transition into the reverse auction system by
2017.
◎ The current reverse auction system is “competition with each solar power supplier”.
→ Turning “competition among solar power suppliers” into “competition between all power suppliers” in the future
◎ At present, electricity generated with renewable energies is fed into the market regardless of whether it is needed or not.
→ Adopting the system of generating power only when needed
◎ The full transition into the reverse auction system means individual solar system owners and other small-scale solar
businesses would not be able to compete with large-scale solar businesses.
◎ In the current situation, renewable energies are still too expensive and cannot compete against coal and natural gas.
→ Requiring review of the carbon emissions trading system to add premium to fossil fuel, making renewable energies
competitive
◎ The law amendment in 2014 adopted a substantial cut-back of FIT and shift toward FIP / direct retailing.
◎ Under the FIP (Feed-In Premiums) system, a lower wholesale price boosts the profit of renewable energy power
suppliers, but also increases consumer burden accordingly.
◎ RPS is the best option for making renewable energies competitive, but it is politically impossible in Germany. *Japan
used the RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard) system before the introduction of FIT.
◎ In EU, renewable energy policies vary from country to country. The situation is far from market integration.
7. In EU, renewable energy policies vary
from country to country.
(Source: Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag (Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce))
8. (3)Nuclear energy phase-out by 2022 ❶
◎ Prior to the Fukushima accident, the current Merkel government had adopted the policy
of extending the lifespan of nuclear power stations.
◎ After the Fukushima accident, Germany began moving toward nuclear phase-out as a
solid policy.
◎ However, nuclear power operations could not be “immediately shut down”.
→ Until the Fukushima accident, nuclear power accounted for 20 – 30% of total power
generation.
→ Immediate shut-down was not possible in terms of economy and employment.
→→ Japan’s sudden nuclear shut-down was shocking and unimaginable.
→ Heavily power-consuming industries are bound to suffer from power shortages.
→ Since nuclear power station are privately operated, sudden shut-down would require a
justifiable reason and compensation.
→ The government decided to phase out nuclear operations.
→ The 2022 deadline for nuclear phase-out was a political decision.
◎ There is no power shortage in EU as a whole.
◎ Germany trades electricity with neighboring countries.
10. (3)Nuclear energy phase-out by 2022 ❷
◎ Germany shut down all coal mines by 2018 and will have to rely on imported coal in the future.
◎ Coal is more expensive than nuclear energy, but is one of the nuclear alternatives.
◎ 90% of natural gas is imported from Russia, etc. It is another nuclear alternative alongside
coal.
◎ Using coal and natural gas as nuclear alternatives would create the issue of CO2 emission.
→ Germany is capable of resolving this issue. Succeeding in this “experiment” will make
Germany a role model for other countries.
◎ In practice, the road to nuclear phase-out by 2022 is very tough.
◎ Thermal power generation will play an increasingly important role in a lead-up to the 2022
nuclear phase-out.
◎ However, the price drop attributable to the increase of renewable energy operations continues
to adversely affect thermal power generation businesses.
◎ At this rate, the stability of power supply may deteriorate.
◎ Thermal power stations would not be forced into closure for economic reasons alone.
→ Specific countermeasures are to be formulated in the future.
12. (3)“Nuclear energy phase-out by 2022” ❸
◎ There is debate over the introduction of a “Capacity Market”.
(* Capacity Market: Market for trading power supply capacity (kW) instead of supply volume (kWh) to ensure supply
stability after market liberalization)
◎ This concept is widely supported by the power industry but opposed by power users.
→ The government has yet to decide how to deal with the matter.
◎ If a capacity market is to be introduced in EU, it is unclear whether other countries trust Germany’s
supply capacity.
◎ Germany uses renewable energies at a higher ratio, and may pose concerns in terms of supply
stability to participate in a capacity market.
◎ France and Britain have already decided to establish a capacity market, while other countries are
still debating on the idea.
◎ It is only large-scale utilities with a relatively extensive facility portfolio who can participate in a
capacity market. Renewable energy-based utilities and small-scale operators have no chance of
participation.
◎ Renewable power is more widely used in northern Germany, where they have “priority” on the grid
over power generated with nuclear energy and fossil fuels.
◎ However, wind and solar energies cannot be base-load power sources as they do not have supply
stability.
13. Germany’s power source composition by state
Kohle: Coal
Erdgas: Natural gas
Kernenergie: Nuclear energy
Erneuerbare Energien: Renewable
energies
Sonstige: Others
Source:https://www.destatis.de/DE/ZahlenFakten/Wirtschaftsbereiche/Energie/Erzeugung/Erzeugung.html
14. (4)Transmission network development
(Construction of north-to-south lines) ❶
◎ Power transmission lines (total length of 5450km) must be newly developed, running north to south.
→ Increasing wind power generation in northern Germany and transmitting it to the south to expand renewable power
→ Sending abundant excess electricity in the north to southern Germany, which is set to experience power supply
shortages after nuclear phase-out in 2022
→ The construction of transmission lines attracting large opposition from the residents of southern regions including
the state of Bayern
→ Persistent negotiations and compensation measures needed to gain the understanding of local residents
→ Unclear whether the construction can be completed by the nuclear phase-out deadline
◎ Following the Fukushima accident, 8 German nuclear power stations have shut down, including 5 in the south.
◎ Bayern will see further 3 plants shut down by 2022.
◎ There is a proposal to use thermal power generation fueled with natural gas, but it is not profitable and cannot be
sustained.
◎ As far as the government is concerned, the construction of the north-to-south transmission lines is the only solution.
◎ One of the factors that caused Germany’s failure was its promotion of renewable energies before developing such
transmission lines.
→ Japan must not repeat Germany’s mistake if it is to promote renewable energies.
→→ Firstly, select regions suitable for power generation with wind and solar energies (i.e. resources).
→→ Then, develop transmission lines there before introducing wind and solar power operations.
(Coal-fired thermal plants are often developed close to coal-producing regions because of their proximity to the
resources.)
15. North-to-south transmission lines: Total length of 5450km
(2650km to be newly constructed and 2800km to be extended)
(Source: Bundesnetzagentur (Germany’s Federal Network Agency))
16. (4)Transmission network development
(Construction of north-to-south lines) ❷
◎ Southern Germany’s power source shortages after nuclear phase-out would not cause a major issue
if the region bought electricity from France (generated with nuclear energy) or operated thermal
power plants fueled with natural gas from Russia. Southern Germany has natural gas pipelines from
Russia.
◎ However, the increase of renewable energies in the wholesale electricity market is having a
negative impact.
→ Thermal power operations are becoming less profitable.
→ This has damped investor enthusiasm about thermal power generation.
◎ It is not easy to build a renewable power plant at a former site of a thermal power plant.
→ Wind power requires favorable wind conditions.
→ Solar power requires favorable solar conditions.
◎ Even if the north-to-south transmission lines cannot be completed by 2022, the nuclear phase-out
deadline will not be postponed.
→ Germany will have to buy excess power from within the EU.
→ This is an appealing scenario for electric utilities with facilities capable of producing excess
power.
◎ Germany’s power supply capacity should be considered in the context of the EU as a whole, rather
than the country itself.
17. (5)Increase of cost burden resulting from the introduction of
renewable energies ❶
◎ Electricity charges account for around 2 – 4% of household finances.
◎ There is general acceptance for electricity price hike attributable to increased use of renewable energies in order to
achieve Energiewende.
◎ After the Fukushima accident, 10 – 20% of consumers switched to 100% renewable energy despite its relatively high
price.
→ This trend lasted for 1 – 2 years, but subsequently disappeared.
◎ The increase of renewable energy surcharge is the main factor of increasing power charges for both residential and
industrial use.
→ The “energy poverty” issue has emerged among residential users.
→ Industrial hollowing-out became evident among industrial users. Germany has one of the highest electricity prices
in the EU.
◎ Only relatively wealthy people with a detached home can have solar power facilities installed.
→ Everyone else, especially low-income earners, cannot afford solar panels. This is unfair.
◎ This disparity is observed on the state level as well as the personal level.
→ The amount of renewable energy surcharge totaled 23.6 billion euros (approx. 3 trillion yen) in 2014. This was
levied on all the German states (their residents).
→→ Southern states (their residents), where renewable power is not widespread, are paying more surcharge.
→→ Collected surcharge becomes the revenue of northern states (their renewable energy utilities), where
renewable power is actively generated.
18. (5)Increase of cost burden resulting from the
introduction of renewable energies ❷
◎ Power generation with renewable energies saves around 10 billion euros (approx. 1.3
trillion yen) per year in the cost of fossil fuels.
◎ However, excess power generated through renewable energy operations is flowing into
the wholesale electricity market.
→ This has lowered thermal plants’ capacity factor, triggering the increase of thermal
plant closures. This is a serious issue.
→ The situation could be rectified if it became possible to store generated power.
However, there is no knowing when this will come about.
◎ Nuclear power stations and coal-fired thermal plants cannot be simultaneously shut
down as thermal plants must provide backup power for renewal power operations.
→ No solution has yet to be found.
◎ The renewable energy surcharge exceeded the cumulative total of 100 billion euros
(approx. 13 trillion yen) between 2000 and 2014.
→ This money could have been invested in technological innovation.
19. Transition of household electricity charges in Germany
Source:
German Association of Energy and Water Industries(BDEW)
Erzeugung, Transport, Vertrieb: Costs of power generation, transmission and distribution, MwSt.:
Value-added tax
Konzessionsabgabe: Concession delivery (public road use), EEG-Umlage: Renewable energy
surcharge, §19-Umlage: Section 19 surcharge, KWK-Aufschlag: Combined Heat and Power Act levy,
Stromsteuer: Environment tax
20. Transition of industrial electricity charges in Germany
Source:
German Association of Energy and Water
Industries(BDEW)
Erzeugung, Transport, Vertrieb: Costs of power generation, transmission and distribution, MwSt.:
Value-added tax
Konzessionsabgabe: Concession delivery (public road use), EEG-Umlage: Renewable energy
surcharge, §19-Umlage: Section 19 surcharge, KWK-Aufschlag: Combined Heat and Power Act
levy, Stromsteuer: Environment tax
21. Germany’s industrial electricity price is substantially higher
than those of other countries.
(Source: Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag (Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry))
22. (6)Comparison between “Germany, the renewable energy superpower” and
“France, the nuclear power superpower”
-- What are the impact of Germany’s high energy costs on its industrial competitiveness?
→ Renewable energy-oriented Germany has lower industrial competitiveness even compared to nuclear energy-oriented France.
→ The condition is tough especially for companies that are exposed to international competition or have high energy consumption.
→ They find electricity prices too high even with exemption from renewable energy surcharge for industrial users, and are driven to
off-shore transfer.
→ Increasing the use of natural gas in place for coal has only highlighted the risk surrounding the supplier, Russia.
→ There is no change to the nuclear phase-out policy, while France and Britain maintain their nuclear energy operations.
-- What is the true reason behind Germany’s drastically different stance on nuclear energy compared to the neighboring France?
(1) There is a lingering Cold War mentality.
・・・Concerns for military use of nuclear resources; Germany would be the first battleground if a war should break out.
(2) After Chernobyl, Germany experienced radioactive rain, while France didn’t.
(3) Change of political framework before and after the Fukushima accident
・・・France’s Social Democratic Party did not change its nuclear promotion policy.
・・・Germany’s Social Democratic Party switched its policy from nuclear promotion to opposition, and partnered with the German
Green Party, which always opposed nuclear energy.
(4) France’s nuclear energy program is government-run, while Germany’s program is privately-run.
(5) France has centralized administration, while Germany has decentralized administration.
(6) France has a small number of large-scale plants to supply power, while Germany has a large number of small-scale plants.
→ Japan’s circumstances surrounding energy policies appear closer to those of France rather than Germany.
23. (7)Relations with other countries with respect to “nuclear phase-out
and renewable energy expansion”
--Does Germany plan to ask other countries including EU nation to adopt nuclear phase-out and renewable energy
expansion?
→ Germany has no plan to recommend nuclear phase-out to other countries.
→ Germany does not have such influence over other countries.
-- What is Germany’s view on the “nuclear promotion policy” of surrounding countries including France?
→ Nuclear power generation is effective for reducing CO2 emissions. France, Belgium and Switzerland will continue to
promote nuclear energy.
→ Germany opts to renewable energy expansion and energy use reduction to mitigate CO2 emissions.
→ Each of the countries should adopt its own energy policy in view of its own circumstances.
→ Considering carbon emission trading, coal use is expected to edge down while nuclear power is to be promoted.
→ This may be a factor in the promotion of nuclear energy in Britain, Finland and Hungary.
-- What is Germany’s perception of the global trend toward CO2 emission reduction?
→ The biggest issue of Germany completing nuclear phase-out is the amount of CO2 emissions.
→ Germany has raised the ratio of renewable energies, while reducing the ratio of nuclear power.
→ This has caused the increase of carbon emissions from the use of coal and natural gas as alternatives to nuclear power.
24. Suggestions and proposals to Japan ❶
2−1) Learn not only from successes but also from
failures.
2−2) Have an overview of the EU including
Germany’s neighbor, France.
2−3) Recognize the fact that wind and solar
energies could not be true alternatives to nuclear
and thermal power generation for the meantime.
25. Suggestions and proposals to Japan ❷
2−4) Recognize the fact that the transmission capacity
that becomes available after the closure of nuclear
power stations might not necessarily be used for
electricity generated with wind and solar energies.
2−5) Seek coexistence with nuclear power to promote
reliable power supply with renewable energies.
2−6) If nuclear power stations are to be closed down,
phase them out over a sufficient period of time rather
than closing them suddenly.
26. ~Off-the-record comments~
◎ Energiewende invalidates market principles. It is the same as converting capitalism into communism.
◎ The cost of achieving Energiewende would be more expensive than that of German reunification.
◎ FIT is the worst system. It is a crazy mechanism of the rich taking from the poor. It is a form of idealism.
◎ The phrase “German Angst” describes German mentality well. The Fukushima accident has made all Germans very
nervous and concerned. Mothers with small children, in particular, are afraid of nuclear power. This is one of the
reasons behind the success of Energiewende. Even if the German government declares the safety of nuclear power,
German citizens would never believe it (laughs).
◎ If ten out of 100 people are scared, media would take it up and make a big story out of it.
◎ The mentality of civic groups is that they just don’t want a waste disposal facility in their own backyard. They are
telling us to shut down nuclear plants because they are dangerous, stop thermal power generation because it emits CO2,
close down wind power farms because low-frequency noise is a concern, and stop building solar plants because their vast
scale compromises good view. That’s the nature of the general public.
◎ Other countries must think Germans are crazy to pursue Energiewende. Yet, despite that, the country will
undoubtedly continue to work toward achieving Energiewende.
◎ In a non-anonymous survey, no German would answer “No” to the question, “Do you support nuclear phase-out by
2022?” However, if the same question is asked in an anonymous survey, 20 – 30% of Germans would say they oppose
the complete phase-out of nuclear power.