Within nine years, Germany can completely switch its electricity and heat generation to renewable energies. This is the result of a new study by the Energy Watch Group (EWG). The study shows that Germany can be fully, reliably and economically supplied with energy as early as 2030, and even have an economically more advantageous energy system in the process. The study presents the first comprehensive energy scenario that ensures Germany's path to 100% renewables by 2030 is cross-sectoral, technologically and economically feasible, and with full demand coverage even during winter dark periods, accurate to the hour.
This would make Germany the first industrialized country in the world to lead the innovation competition for climate neutrality, ahead of the USA and China. How exactly can we achieve this major goal? What are currently the biggest hurdles? And does the proposed 100% renewable energy system automatically lead to climate neutrality?
That's what we're talking about today with Hans-Josef Fell, President at the Energy Watch Group, known to many as one of the "fathers of the EEG".
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The Energy Watch Group is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan global network of scientists and parliamentarians. As an independent think tank, EWG works to change the status quo, provide new perspectives, and give voice to objective science. EWG is also committed to changing political action towards 100% renewable energy and climate protection through scientific analysis, policy advice and dialogue.
Hans-Josef Fell is the initiator of EWG and has acted as its president since 2014. During his time as a member of the German Bundestag, he co-authored the draft legislation of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which was pushed through and passed in 2000 despite much political opposition. In the meantime, the basic principle of the EEG has been copied by almost 100 nations.