…German GHG and Renewables Update…
Germany’s energiewende program has been touted as an example for all to follow in efforts to cut CO2 emissions.
This begs the question:
What have been the results of energiewende in the power sector?
Specifically, to reduce CO2 emissions by promoting the use of wind and solar.
The first chart shows greenhouse gas reductions since 1990 for all sectors, including transportation.
Overall, GHG have been reduced by 28%. Largest reductions by sector, in tons of CO2:
- Manufacturing, construction and industry 96 tons
- Energy 95 tons
- Households 44 tons
Transportation increased by a few tons over this period.
Figures 2 and 3 show the amount of renewables. Figure 2 from 1990 to 2016, Figure 3 for 2016.
As shown in the side graph of Figure 3, wind and solar only accounted for 18% of electricity production in 2016. The balance of the 29% of renewables, came from hydro at 11%, plus biomass and waste.
Coal still accounts for 40% of Germany’s electricity production.
Nuclear accounts for 13% of Germany’s electricity, but nuclear is to be shut down by 2022.
According to the NY Times, Germany has spent over $200 billion on renewable energy subsidies.
The average German household pays 33 cents per kWh for its electricity, which is about three times as much as the average American.
In spite of huge investments in wind and solar, renewables, including hydro and biomass, only account for 29% of Germany’s electricity production.
At the same time, Germany has only reduced its CO2 emissions by 28%.
Germany still uses coal for 40% of its electricity production … Which is more than coal’s share in the United States.
By any objective standard, Germany’s energiewende is not a role model to be followed.
If CO2 is such an existential threat, why is Germany still using coal, and why is Germany eliminating nuclear power?
Germany preaches to the world about cutting CO2 emissions, but won’t follow its own advice: I.e., Do what I say, Not what I do.
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