Energiewende
Ongoing energy transition in Germany / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Energiewende (German for 'energy turnaround') (pronounced [ʔenɐˈɡiːˌvɛndə] ⓘ) is the ongoing energy transition by Germany to a low carbon, environmentally sound, reliable, and affordable energy supply.[1] The new system intends to rely heavily on renewable energy (particularly wind, photovoltaics, and hydroelectricity), energy efficiency, and energy demand management.
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Legislative support for the Energiewende was passed in late 2010 and included greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of 80–95% by 2050 (relative to 1990) and a renewable energy target of 60% by 2050.[2] Germany had already made significant progress on its GHG emissions reduction target before the introduction of the program, achieving a 27% decrease between 1990 and 2014. However, the country would need to maintain an average GHG emissions abatement rate of 3.5% per year to reach its Energiewende goal, equal to the maximum historical value thus far.[3] Germany's overall energy mix still has a high CO2 intensity due a significant coal and fossil gas usage.[4]
As part of the Energiewende, Germany phased out nuclear power in 2023,[5] and plans to retire all existing coal power plants by 2038.[6] While the early retirement of the country's nuclear reactors was supported by the general public, it was controversial between energy experts, fearing that it could have a negative impact on Germany's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.[7]