“The wider energy transition must remain a key priority” in spite of soaring energy prices across Europe, writes the German economist in a guest essay
on Ukraine has forced Germany to rethink its energy policy. Until February, the plan was to ambitiously expand the use of renewables while phasing out nuclear energy by the end of 2022, and then coal-fired power by 2038. Natural gas was to be used as a bridging technology—both in industry and in the power sector, so that gas-fired power plants could complement intermittent renewables. In the short term, that is now difficult to imagine. But in the medium term there is no alternative.
As a consequence, coal-fired power plants that had already been shut down are being reopened. But even that is proving difficult: the low water levels of rivers as a result of drought have slowed the shipment of coal to the plants. And extending the life of Germany’s three remaining nuclear-power plants beyond the end of the year is highly controversial in a country where the anti-nuclear consensus remains strong.
To tackle both climate change and the energy crisis, German policymakers should focus on three issues in particular. First, the existing nuclear plants should continue to run until the acute energy crisis is over. Their power will help lower prices and cut gas usage at home and in Europe. It would also reduce the need to burn coal, and therefore help keep emissions lower than they would otherwise have been.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The “Jena Set” was the heart of German RomanticismAndrea Wulf brings them back to life in “Magnificent Rebels”
Read more »
Ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel could be deported from the UK in post-Brexit visa debacleThomas Tuchel is reportedly at risk of being forced to leave the United Kingdom before Christmas. The German manager was axed as Chelsea boss earlier this month following a Champions League defeat …
Read more »
UK Still Struggling With Energy Shortages Despite Bringing Coal Plants Back | OilPrice.comEven though the UK has brought online additional coal-fired power generation plants to survive the winter, it could still face energy shortages, according to a report from consultants Lane, Clark & Peacock.
Read more »
The Global Water Crisis Could Crush The Energy Industry | OilPrice.comWith rising concerns over water scarcity, mainly due to climate change, there are fears that the big transition to renewable energy will be hindered even further.
Read more »