The Energy Potential Still Beneath Our Feet: How Germany’s Energy Future May Stem From Its Past

摘要

During my time here working as a guest researcher in Germany’s North Rhine Westphalia (NRW) region, it has been my duty to cover the transitional phase that they are undergoing in pursuing alternative energy sources compared to traditional forms-namely coal. Since the 90’s and the influx of the Red-Green party coalition led by then Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, the foundation was laid for the continued dominance of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and environmentally minded Bundesrat (or congress) to push forward several environmentally friendly and innovative policies, in addition to the rising costs associated with coal power domestically. Which brings us to today: the Energiewende movement started back in 2010 with the ambitious goals of reduced green house gas emissions by 40% in 2020 and 55% by 2030. What results though have come about in the NRW, and how have these events intrinsically changed a landscape once so dominated and supported by coal?