In the Federal Republic of Germany there is a government mandate to expand the renewable energy sector across the country. This mandate coined as "Energiewende" by German Chancellor Angela Merkel is one of unprecedented importance. Germany is saying Auf Weidersehen "Goodbye" to Nuclear Energy and working to rework its economy to one of virtually one-hundred percent green efficiency (and climate neutrality) in the mid-century. (Russel and Wettengel: Germany's Energiewende) Germany's work towards the completion of this goal demonstrates that a major global economy can be brought off of fossil fuel and into a more energy-sustainable future that can benefit the country as a whole. People who criticize Energiewende say that the transition is hurting consumers and industries in regards to cost. The people who are becoming disenfranchised due to this policy often live in rural areas where Coal and other Non-renewable power sources still have an immediate use, at least for the short term. However, the majority of the German people are in support for this proposal; "With broad public backing and cross-party support, Europe’s most populous country aims to become almost climate-neutral." (Russel and Wettengel: Germany's Energiewende) In its early conception, this initiative has and currently focuses on the electricity sector of energy development, the majority of which come from Wind and Solar Installations across the country of roughly 82 Million people. Now, the country is aiming to power heating and transportation with renewable energy and for the time being, Germany is seen as one of the pioneers in terms of pioneering renewable energy for the future. My article definitely relates to the overall EU due to Germany having such a strong economic presence in Europe due in part to its renewable energy infrastructure from Energiewende. I would love to hear input from others and I hope that we can advance the conversation! Image Licensing: (CC BY 2.0 Generic)
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AuthorJake Roselius is a Student at Barrett the Honors College of Arizona State University who studies European Union and International Studies. ArchivesCategories |