THE GERMAN “ENERGIEWENDE” – A NATIONAL CONCEPT IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE EU

Abstract

In spite of its relatively brief history, the German Energiewende has changed the electricity mix in Germany substantially; Green electricity from wind, solar, water and biomass now provides the largest contribution to the total electricity consumption. In this respect, the Energiewende can be regarded as an overall success. But in parallel to this scenario, a critical discourse has evolved concerning the socio-political, economical, and legal issues. The congruence of objectives and measures - for example in regards to ensuring security of supply, the expansion of electricity networks, the development of the electricity price and the environmental consequences - in the course of the expansion of electricity generation from renewable sources is the main focus of the socio-political and economic discussion. From a legal perspective, the accelerated phase-out of nuclear energy and the constitutional disputes, regarding the legality of the national orientation of the promotional scheme for green electricity in respect to the integration of the German electricity sector in a European internal market for energy, are in the centre of the debate. Against this background, the present article examines the contribution of the German Energiewende to the resolution of the complex challenges of a developed industrial society.