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Transformation of the energy system
The 'transformation of the energy system' (known in German as the 'Energiewende') refers to the
move towards the age of renewables and energy efficiency. The German government decided that Germany's energy
supply should be generated primarily from renewables by 2050. This requires our energy supply system to be
fundamentally restructured, presenting Germany with economic and technological challenges.
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Climate
Our atmosphere is a small miracle of nature. It contains so-called greenhouse gases that form a protective layer
around the earth and prevent the heat emitting from earth disappearing into space. The earth would be bitterly cold
without these greenhouse gases. Instead, we have a constant temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius. Our problem
today is that the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has risen too much.
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[/english/climate/3821]
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Emissions trading
In the Kyoto Protocol, negotiated in 1997, the participating industrialised countries committed themselves to a 5%
reduction in emissions of climate-damaging gases - such as carbon dioxide - by the period 2008-2012 as compared
with 1990. The European Union has agreed to cut its emissions by 8% during the years 2008-2012 as compared to the
level of 1990.
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International Climate Initiative
Climate Initiative
Since the beginning of 2008 the Federal Environment Ministry (BMU) has made available up to 400 million euro from
the sale of emissions allowances for a Climate Initiative. The Climate Initiative consists of national and
international measures. The goal is to tap existing major potential for reducing emissions in a cost-effective way
and on a large scale.
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Energy Efficiency
Demand for energy is increasing worldwide. The situation on the energy markets is escalating and energy prices are
soaring. Fossil fuel burning is on the increase and is speeding up climate change. Improving energy efficiency, on
the other hand, has a dampening effect on energy prices, reduces energy import dependency, cuts emissions of
climate-damaging carbon dioxide (CO2), increases security of supply and counteracts energy distribution
conflicts.
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[/english/energy_efficiency/38275]
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Vision
Renewable Energy
The fossil fuels oil, coal and gas have two major disadvantages: their availability is not infinite and their
combustion generates climate-damaging emissions - causing considerable subsequent damage and costs. The increased
use of renewable energies is therefore not only reasonable but also has macroeconomic benefits. Germany and the EU
will therefore drastically step up their use of renewable energies.
www.erneuerbare-energien.de/english
[http://www.erneuerbare-energien.de/english]