Why the Energiewende?

There are reasons to switch to renewable energy and to increase energy conservation, and there are reasons to do so now.

Fighting climate change

One major aim of the Energiewende is to decarbonize by switching to renewable sources and reduce energy demand by becoming more energy efficient.

Reducing energy imports

Germany imports about two thirds of its energy. Renewables and energy efficiency help reduce imports significantly, thereby increasing Germany’s energy security.

Innovation and green growth

The energy transition boosts green innovations, creates jobs, and helps Germany position itself as an exporter of green technologies. Half of the world’s solar production equipment is made in Germany.

Reducing the risks of nuclear power

Two IAEA experts examine recovery work on top of Unit 4 of TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station on 17 April 2013 as part of a mission to review Japan's plans to decommission the facility. Photo Credit: Greg Webb / IAEA ( CC BY SA 2) https://www.flickr.com/photos/iaea_imagebank/8657963686

Germany rejects nuclear power because of the risks, the costs and the unsolved waste issue. In addition, nuclear power does not have the potential to play a major role in future world energy supply.

Energy security

Renewables reduce Germany’s dependency on energy imports, making Germany less vulnerable to unpredictably fluctuating prices for fossil fuels and to political influence from abroad.

Strengthening local economies

Local ownership of renewables provides great economic payback to investing communities. In the long run, energy efficiency and renewables together make energy cheaper for everyone.