Germany - energy

• Causes of increase in renewable energy

  1. Germany want to replace nuclear with renewable energy to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions
  2. By 2014 Germany produced 30% of energy from renewables
• Social effects in a increase of renewable energy

  • Peace of mind that there won’t be a nuclear disaster like other countries have experienced
• Economic effects in a increase of renewable energy

  • Better energy efficiency costs less money
• Environmental effects in a increase in renewable energy

  • Improved air quality and less potential environmental disaster if there was a leak
• Responses to an increase in renewable energy in Germany: Bavaria Solarpark

  1. 26 hectares (62 acres) and uses 60000 photovoltaic panels (solar panels)
  2. The project is anticipated to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 100000 tonnes over the next 30 years, producing 215 kilowatt/hour over the next 20 years
  3. There are incentives to individuals and on homes and businesses
• Responses to an increase in renewable energy in Germany: Norsee Ost farm in the North Sea

  1. Germany’s government plans to have wind energy production of around 6500 MW by 2020
  2. By 2014 Germany was producing approximately 8% of its electricity from wind turbines
  3. Germany is also replacing its old wind turbines with new, more efficient ones, to increase power production
  4. This approach has resulted in less opposition by people who recognize the benefits of switching from nuclear and planning restrictions have been lifted in some areas to install new ones