Germany's Energiewende: Sustainable Paths to 2030 Electricity Generation

Dr. Mark Agyei-Sakyi

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As part of the 2021 High-level Dialogue on Energy (HLDE), organized by the UN Secretary-General at the Glasgow Climate Change Conference (COP 26), with updates on countries’ net-zero commitments, and discussions of the role of such pledges in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the SDGs. Especially SDG7, Germany's Energiewende, or energy transition, has been a worldwide acceptable and established endeavor to holistically change the energy system from a fossil fueldependent to one fueled primarily by renewable sources.

One of the leading activists in promoting renewable energy is Dr. Mark Agyei-Sakyi, a specialist and scholarly writer in renewable energy. One of his remarkable scholarly articles Demand and Supply-side Determinants of Electric Power Consumption and representative roadmaps to 100%. In one of his articles, Dr, Mark AgyeiSakyi highlights crucial understandings of the Republic of Germany’s energy sector.

This large-scale ongoing nationwide signature exercise has gained an innovative transition pathway model for nations prioritizing energy decarbonization to emulate. In furtherance to that Energiewende’s cornerstone rests in its intricate approach. It encompasses not only the expansion of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass but also the phasing out of nuclear power and a strong emphasis on energy efficiency.

Given all the aforementioned, there are tons of key policies that have underpinned Energiewende's progress, this landmark legislation introduced feed-in tariffs, guaranteeing a fixed price for electricity generated from renewable sources, incentivizing private investment in renewable energy technologies. Nuclear Phase-Out: Following the Fukushima disaster in 2011, the German government accelerated the phase-out of nuclear power, aiming for a complete shutdown by 2022.

As part of achievement and challenges, Germany has achieved significant milestones in its renewable energy journey. It has become a global leader in renewable energy technologies, particularly in solar and wind power. However, the path towards a fully sustainable energy system remains fraught with challenges such as the Intermittency of Renewable Energy Grid Modernization: Integrating large-scale renewable energy generation into the existing grid requires significant investments in grid modernization and smart grid technologies.

The Energiewende is an ongoing process with continuous challenges and opportunities. To ensure its continued success, several key areas require further attention such as Continued research and development in areas such as energy storage (batteries, hydrogen), smart grids, and demand-side management are crucial.

Over the years, as the Republic of Germany moves towards green energy in the future, scholar and writer, Dr. Agyei-Sakyi provides a crucial foundation for informed decisionmaking. In his recommendations, he proposes effective mechanisms for Germany to improve and continue to gain a sustainable energy more robust energy sector.

Columnist: Francis Boobi