Germany Quadruples Energy Surplus Over the Last Two Years

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For a country phasing out its nuclear plants, you might expect a
downturn in energy production. But Germany has actually seen its power
output quadruple between 2011 and 2012. Europe’s leading economy has
been pushing for a green revolution, becoming one of the largest
markets for solar voltaics and where support for renewables is
subsidized by taxpayers. The country’s Federal Statistics Office
reported a surplus of 22.8 billion kilowatt hours over the last two
years. The government has set a goal to source 80 percent of its
electricity from green technology by 2050, leaving the old fossil fuel-
based utilities behind. Holland, Austria and Switzerland were the
country’s main customers for the extra energy.

While 46 percent of Germany’s power still comes from coal, renewable
sources have steadily been chipping away at the dominance of fossil
fuels. In 2012, nearly 22 percent of the country’s electricity came
from renewables, many of which were privately-owned. According to
Reuters, individuals claimed 40 percent of the renewable market, a
trend that is beginning to affect the share of the country’s main
utility companies. Of the 71 gigawatts of renewables installed last
year, the four largest utilities owned only 7 percent.

Despite the erosion of the traditional utilities model in Germany, the
country’s energy surplus is evidence that a push towards clean energy
can still produce enough electricity to not only power the nation but
to export to other countries. Government subsidies have continued to
make renewable technologies cheaper, allowing them to work their way
towards achieving critical mass and driving down retail prices for
individuals hoping to install their own systems. Although Germany
still imported electricity from France, Denmark and the Czech Republic
last year, the country still continues to break records in solar
installation on the continent and set an example for those looking to
green their infrastructure.

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Related links:

Fact: Green energy is good for Ontario
http://www.pembina.org/blog/578

German energy surplus quadruples despite renewable push
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/9967564/German-energy-surplus-quadruples-despite-renewable-push.html

Analysis: Renewables turn utilities into dinosaurs of the energy world
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/08/us-utilities-threat-idUSBRE92709E20130308