Alternative energies and energy efficiency

For the foreseeable future traditional sources of energy such as oil and gas will remain indispensable to meet global demand. Given the finite nature of these resources and their adverse impact on the environment, however, there is now an urgent and growing need to consider how we can enhance energy efficiency and make greater use of alternative, especially renewable sources of energy. Solarzellen Enlarge image (© iStock)

As one of the first countries to invest in this sector, Germany is now a world leader, especially in wind energy. With 28% of global wind power generation, Germany is now well ahead of Spain, the United States and India. It is also prominent in other areas such as solar energy, hydroelectric and geothermal power, automated wood pellet heating systems and the production of bioethanol for motor vehicles. Germany is also a world leader in developing energy-saving products such as fuel-saving engines, gas condensing boilers or new materials for insulating homes and buildings. Modern information technologies ("green IT") can also help enhance energy efficiency. Since under the Kyoto Protocol most industrialized countries are committed to increasing the share of renewables in their primary energy consumption mix to 5% over the next five years, German technologies and products in this area are worldwide in high demand.

To safeguard and build on its lead in this sector, Germany continues to invest heavily in renewable energy research. The Federal Research Ministry has significantly increased its funding, supporting innovative projects also under a new programme known as "Basic Research Energy 2020+". The priority fields are:

  • enhancing efficiency in energy production, conversion, storage, use and transport;
  • technologies for the next generation of renewable energies,
  • underground storage of carbon dioxide, an important greenhouse gas
  • fushion technologies,
  • nuclear safety

Germany's universities are placing increasing emphasis on alternative energies and energy efficiency. This is reflected in Kassel University's "Regenerative Energies and Energy Efficiency" programme and Oldenburg University's "Renewable Energy" programme. Both master's programmes offer young people especially a currently unique opportunity to acquire expertise that is much in demand internationally.

For more information from the German Environment Ministry

Windmill along a country road

Renewable Energy: an overview

The world needs renewable energies. Wind and solar energy, hydro power, geothermal energy and bioenergy are available in almost limitless supply. In contrast to energy sources such as oil, coal, uranium and natural gas, the use of renewable energies protects the climate and environment, is safe, resource-efficient and environmentally friendly. The German government has ambitious goals for use of renewable energy; find out more about renewables and their future in Germany.

Renewable Energy: an overview

Engineers pass mirrors at a parabolic trough solar power plant

Scintillating multi-billion Euro project

The Desertec Initiative: twelve companies are planning a massive 400-billion-Euro project to generate solar electricity in the desert. “If it is successful, we will make a major contribution to combating climate change. The ecological and economic potential is huge."

DESERTEC

Rapsfeld mit Wolken

Germany's national biomass action plan

Following a proposal by the German Agricultural Minister Ilse Aigner and then Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel the cabinet approved the National Biomass Action Plan in April, 2009. With this plan, the German Government supports the EU Commission which called upon the EU member states to draw up national action plans for the use of biomass.

Biomass Action Plan

Alternative energies and energy efficiency

Africa benefits from public-private initiatives in solar power

Solar panels on rooftops of convent in Mbinga, Tanzania

The German Energy Agency brings expertise in the fields of renewable energy technologies to Africa. Through its public private partnerships, specifically the Solar Roofs programme, both rural and urban projects in African countries are demonstrating the viability and effectiveness of renewable energy technologies and making an impact on the lives of many.

Solar projects Africa

DESERTEC: further steps towards making the dream a reality

A solar thermal power plant in the desert akin to what is planned by the DESERTEC Industrial Initiative

The DESERTEC dream of turning the power of the sun into power for North Africa and Europe is closer to reality. The completion of Egypt's first solar-thermal power plant, as well as the establishment of a network of universities to promote the education of skilled local professionals and collaboration of international research institutions, are concrete and strategic steps forward for the ambitious solar energy initiative.

DESERTEC: making the dream a reality