International experts see Germany as energy transition role model but doubt it will reach own targets
Clean Energy Wire
A new survey published by the World Energy Council Germany has found that a majority of international energy experts regard the country's energy transition, the Energiewende, as a possible blueprint for the world but at the same time doubt that it will deliver greenhouse gas emissions reduction as quickly as planned. Surveying more than 80 energy professionals from over 50 countries and spanning six continents, the report found that 82 percent of them answered “yes” (28 percent) or “partly” (54 percent) when asked if the Energiewende could serve as a global blueprint. The term Energiewende denotes the idea of a comprehensive transformation of the EU’s largest economy and most populous country into one that is nuclear-free and carbon-neutral by 2045. Nearly half said decision makers in their countries were observing Germany‘s energy transition, and within the EU this figure jumps to 76 percent. There is also a near unanimous agreement that Germany will reach its goal of a 30 percent share of renewable energy by 2030. However, just over a third believe the country can reach its 2030 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent or hit climate neutrality by 2045. More than 80 percent said the energy transition will have a positive impact on innovation, research and development, and the ability to achieve climate targets. Respondents were divided over the Energiewende’s impact on job creation and largely negative about its effect on energy supply security. The survey, issued every two years, included the respondents’ age for the first time. It found that participants aged under 35 were around twice as likely to say the Energiewende could serve as a blueprint than their older peers.
Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), has said that Germany can play a decisive role in the global transition to renewable energy. By becoming more active internationally Germany could create more momentum for climate protection, particularly in Asia, Africa and Latin America, he explained.
