The ‘non-nuclear energy’ state Germany's Energiewende (energy transition) policy has made things worse for the climate by shutting down carbon-free nuclear capacity. After Fukushima mishap in March 2011, Germany government decided to phase out nuclear power. However, the time, Germany was obtaining around a quarter of its electricity from 17 nuclear reactors.

Germany is "by far the largest emitter" - accounting for 18.3% of the total greenhouse gas emissions of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association and Turkey, which is why their strategy “matters so much” for net greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, according to a  report.
Germany is not decarbonising as fast as other large emitters - it is the 14th of 23 countries analysed - and, by exporting electricity generated by fossil fuels, Germany is significantly increasing the CO2-intensity of neighbouring countries' electricity consumption, the report says.
"Climate leaders are countries with hydro-power resources and strong policies to support nuclear energy, alongside renewables. These countries include Switzerland (hydro and nuclear), Norway (hydro) and Sweden (hydro and nuclear). In contrast, anti-nuclear Austria backs up its hydro capacity with fossil fuels, driving down its overall climate performance," the report says. (Courtesy: WNN)

Monday, January 22, 2018

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