Energiewende

The Energiewende (pronounced [ʔenɐˈɡiːˌvɛndə] ⓘ) is the ongoing <a href="/facts/Energy_transition/KkjfUN7L">energy transition</a> by <a href="/facts/Germany/paluuWBX">Germany</a>. The new system intends to rely heavily on <a href="/facts/Renewable_energy/6Bu6IrpF">renewable energy</a> (particularly <a href="/facts/Wind_power/vlNN3u16">wind</a>, <a href="/facts/Photovoltaics/5Xefaayl">photovoltaics</a>, and <a href="/facts/Hydroelectricity/zEeJIK2B">hydroelectricity</a>), <a href="/facts/Efficient_energy_use/8K8vBAVk">energy efficiency</a>, and <a href="/facts/Energy_demand_management/vkxg0hw3">energy demand management</a>.
Legislative support for the Energiewende was passed in late 2010 and included <a href="/facts/Greenhouse_gas/HXaHqrT8">greenhouse gas</a> (GHG) reductions of 80–95% by 2050 (relative to 1990) and a <a href="/facts/Renewable_energy/6Bu6IrpF">renewable energy</a> target of 60% by 2050.
Germany had made progress on its GHG emissions reduction target before the introduction of the program, achieving a 27% decrease between 1990 and 2014. 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.
Germany's <a href="/facts/Energy_mix/cVhcBQqm">energy mix</a> has a high CO2 intensity due a significant coal and <a href="/facts/Fossil_gas/9MYQ7NAP">fossil gas</a> usage.
Germany <a href="/facts/Nuclear_power_phase-out/WpxIInJr">phased out nuclear power</a> in 2023 as part of the Energiewende, and plans to retire existing <a href="/facts/Coal_power_plant/QCklV8AD">coal power plants</a> possibly by 2030, and latest by 2038. By 2023 the early retirement of the Country's <a href="/facts/Nuclear_power_plant/IJj5pJUn">nuclear power plants</a> was no longer supported by the general public and the plan was controversial between energy experts, fearing that it could have a negative impact on Germany's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Energiewende open-in-new

Energiewende