Glossary s

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  • Sector Coupling

    Energy is consumed in three sectors:  transportation, industry, and to heat and cool buildings. Connecting these three sectors will be crucial for the energy transition’s success. The term describing this is “sector coupling” (or “Sektorkopplung” in German).
  • Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)

    The SPD (Social Democratic Party) represents the interests of the German working class, especially unions. It is the largest left party in Germany but has lost voters to “die Linke” (the Left) and the Green Party.
  • Solar Photovoltaics (PV)

    Germany has helped to make solar power inexpensive for the world. The challenge now is to integrate large amounts of solar power in the country’s power supply.
  • The energy transition in Spain

    Sun-drenched and zephyr-kissed, Spain occupies a corner of Europe that is ideal for solar and wind power. After an initial surge of investment in renewables, the flaws of the government’s energy policy became evident, and the authorities slammed the brakes on investment. There are signs that they may now be relenting.
  • 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.