Did Germany Get It Wrong on Clean Energy?

Germany's Energiewende, or Energy Transistion program and its effects on electricity rates and CO2 emissions.

For over 20 years, the German national strategy to decarbonize electricity generation, Energiewende, has reduced that country’s CO2 emissions. Over the same period, the United States has not used government mandates and instead relies on markets to set green energy pricing. With both nations achieving the same percentage CO2 reductions over the time period, about 36%, many US critics declare the German model as a failure. Defenders of Energiewende say that the program was effective, and has been misrepresented by American analysts on the political right. Who’s right? Jim Anderton comments.

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Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.