Glossary g – Energy Transition

Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is when heat from below the ground is pumped upwards.
German Green party
The German green party (in German: Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) is dedicated to climate protection. The guidelines of the party are environmental policies based on ecological, economic and social sustainability.
The energy transition in Greece
Plentiful sunshine and breezy seas and mountains: Greece has strong potential for renewable energy. But the country’s debt problems have stalled progress towards a cleaner future.
Electrical grid
The electrical grid (or sometimes just “the grid”) is the network of power lines that moves electricity. In the classical grid, power stations generate electricity, which is transported to consumers.
Grid access
Grid access refers to a generator’s physical connection to the larger electrical grid. In Germany, if you install a solar panel, you are guaranteed that it will be connected to the grid, and that whenever it is sunny your power will be sold on the grid (instead of it being pushed out by coal power).
Grid and power storage
A power system designed around renewable energy must both be flexible and allow for power storage. Rather than relying on “baseload” power like coal and nuclear, Germany is trying to switch to a supply-based model.