Green Revolution or Pure Nightmare? Germany’s 'Energiewende'

Hosted by Deutsche Welle

It’s a revolutionary target – 80 percent of Germany’s electricity needs are to be met by wind, sun and other renewable energy sources by 2050. The "Energiewende" (energy transition) is the country’s biggest infrastructure project since 1945. International media are closely watching to see whether Europe’s largest economy succeeds in turning away from fossil fuel and nuclear energy.

In the German press, however, the green revolution often sounds like a pure nightmare. Reporting on the issue is dominated by citizens’ protests against new power lines, rare bird species being driven away by wind farms, along with scenarios of power shortages and escalating electricity costs. Policymakers have reacted by calling for subsidy cuts for renewable energy. They, in turn, have been criticized by environmental groups for slowing down the Energiewende process.

What is the explanation for the different approaches to the Energiewende by the national and international media? Can Germany’s green path be a model for other countries? What are the success stories in the renewable energy sector?

Moderation:

Küfner, Michaela
Host Deutsche Welle Journal and Global 3000

Panelists:

Harvey, Fiona
Environment Correspondent, The Guardian, London, UK

Kemfert, Prof. Claudia
Professor of Energy Economics and Sustainability, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin and Head of the department Energy, Transportation, Environment at the German Institute of Economic Research (DIW), Berlin

Schafhausen, Franzjosef
Head of Section Transformation of the Energy System, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)

Töpfer, Prof. Klaus
Founding Director and Executive Director, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies IASS, Potsdam, Germany

Complete workshop on soundcloud:

WS54 - Green Revolution or Pure Nightmare? Germany’s ‘Energiewende