“Energiewende? No, but…Germany’s example resonates“

Germany’s Energiewende might not be an export hit but it helps other countries questioning their own energy policy, Giorgio V. Müller writes in Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ). According to figures from the World Energy Council, a majority of 42 surveyed countries do not consider the German energy transition as a role model; many countries outside of Europe do not even take note of it, Müller explains. “But generally, Germany’s Energiewende has gained in relevance around the world – although more as a warning example,” he writes. High costs and lacking integration into international structures are the main reasons others do not want to follow Germany’s climate protection approach and instead favour more energy efficiency and a global price for CO₂ as more efficient measures to mitigate climate change, Müller writes. 

For background on the cost debate, see the CLEW article Government lacks overview of Energiewende costs – auditors and the CLEW dossier Germany's energy transition in the European context for more information on international integration.