Caixin
Apr 13, 2024 02:24 PM
CAIXIN WEEKLY SNEAK PEEK

Germany's Energy Transition: Where is Sino-German Cooperation Headed? (AI Translation)

00:00
00:00/00:00
Listen to this article 1x
This article was translated from Chinese using AI. The translation may contain inaccuracies. Click the button on the right to hide or reveal the original version.
当地时间2024年3月19日,第十届柏林能源转型对话在德国柏林启动,德国外长贝尔伯克在开幕式上发表讲话。图:卢羽桐
当地时间2024年3月19日,第十届柏林能源转型对话在德国柏林启动,德国外长贝尔伯克在开幕式上发表讲话。图:卢羽桐

文|财新周刊 卢羽桐 发自德国柏林

By Caixin Weekly's Lu Yutong, from Berlin, Germany

  “德国已经摆脱了俄罗斯天然气,并再次准备好成为全球清洁能源转型的领导者。”德国可再生能源协会主席Simone Peter在3月中旬的柏林能源转型对话论坛(下称“柏林论坛”)上如此表态,“我们必须参与其中(in the game)。”

"Germany has freed itself from Russian natural gas and is once again ready to become a leader in the global clean energy transition," stated Simone Peter, President of the German Renewable Energy Federation, at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (referred to as "Berlin Forum") in mid-March. "We must be part of it (in the game)."

  历时两年,德国基本消化了俄乌冲突带来的能源供给冲击;在风电、光伏装机增长以及良好的天气条件下,2023年,可再生能源发电在德国电力总消费量中的占比首次突破50%的关口,达到55%,同比增加6.6个百分点。

After two years, Germany has essentially absorbed the impact on energy supply caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In 2023, with the growth in wind and photovoltaic installations and favorable weather conditions, renewable energy's share of total electricity consumption in Germany surpassed 50% for the first time, reaching 55%, a year-on-year increase of 6.6 percentage points.

  观察德国的可再生能源供给结构,风电目前占据最大份额,2023年贡献了超过三成的电力消费量;其次是太阳能,占12.1%;此外,生物质能占8.4%,水力和其他清洁能源贡献剩余的3.4%。

Observing Germany's renewable energy supply structure, wind power currently holds the largest share, contributing to over 30% of the electricity consumption in 2023. Solar energy follows with 12.1%. Additionally, biomass accounts for 8.4%, while hydropower and other clean energy sources make up the remaining 3.4%.

loadingImg
You've accessed an article available only to subscribers
VIEW OPTIONS
Disclaimer
Caixin is acclaimed for its high-quality, investigative journalism. This section offers you a glimpse into Caixin’s flagship Chinese-language magazine, Caixin Weekly, via AI translation. The English translation may contain inaccuracies.
Share this article
Open WeChat and scan the QR code
DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub Back
Germany's Energy Transition: Where is Sino-German Cooperation Headed? (AI Translation)
Explore the story in 30 seconds
  • Germany has successfully transitioned away from Russian natural gas, with renewable energy sources now accounting for 55% of its electricity consumption in 2023, aiming to increase this to 80% by 2030 and achieve a fully renewable power supply by 2035. Wind energy is the largest contributor, followed by solar power.
  • The country is focusing on hydrogen energy as a key part of its strategy to replace over a quarter of its energy supply currently derived from fossil fuels, with significant diplomatic efforts to establish international hydrogen trade partnerships, particularly with resource-rich countries in Africa and the Middle East.
  • Despite reducing reliance on traditional energy sources like coal (planned phase-out by 2030) and nuclear power (firm opposition reiterated), Germany faces challenges in ensuring stable energy supply and managing costs associated with transitioning away from Chinese products amidst geopolitical tensions and trade investigations.
AI generated, for reference only
Explore the story in 3 minutes

Germany has made significant strides in its energy transition, particularly in reducing its reliance on Russian natural gas and increasing the share of renewable energy in its electricity consumption. Simone Peter, President of the German Renewable Energy Federation, highlighted at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue that Germany's renewable energy's share surpassed 50% for the first time in 2023, reaching 55%, with wind power being the largest contributor [para. 1][para. 2]. The country aims to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2030 and a complete transition to renewables by 2035, alongside phasing out coal and maintaining a stance against nuclear energy [para. 3][para. 4].

The focus on hydrogen as an alternative energy source is evident through Germany's international partnerships aimed at bolstering hydrogen energy production and trade. German officials have visited countries like Oman, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Algeria, and Canada to discuss energy partnerships focusing on hydrogen. This aligns with Germany's goal to import two-thirds of its hydrogen needs due to Europe's limited capacity for green hydrogen production [para. 5][para. 6].

Despite these advancements, Germany faces challenges in transitioning away from fossil fuels and ensuring a stable power supply. The intermittency of renewable sources necessitates investments in storage solutions like hydrogen storage and subsidies for gas-fired power plants capable of converting to hydrogen. Environmental organizations have criticized these subsidies as supporting fossil fuel production [para. 7][para. 8].

Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear power further complicates its energy transition. Following the Fukushima disaster in Japan in 2011, Germany began shutting down nuclear plants, aiming for a complete phase-out. This move has led to increased reliance on renewables but also highlights the challenges of replacing stable power sources with intermittent ones [para. 9].

The European Union's investigations into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and solar components reflect concerns over dependency on China for new energy technologies. These investigations aim to address competitive imbalances caused by subsidies and protect local industries while acknowledging the need for cooperation with China in achieving carbon reduction targets [para. 10][para. 11].

Germany’s efforts towards industrial decarbonization are notable, especially in sectors like steel production where traditional methods are highly carbon-intensive. Projects like ThyssenKrupp AG’s construction of a direct reduction plant powered by hydrogen exemplify steps towards reducing industrial carbon emissions [para. 12].

The article also touches upon "China + 1" as a sensitive topic among European nations seeking to diversify their supply chains away from China amidst growing geopolitical tensions. Despite this cautious approach towards China, there is recognition of the need for continued cooperation between Germany and China in areas such as clean energy technology development and climate change mitigation [para. 13][para. 14].

In summary, Germany is actively pursuing an ambitious energy transition plan focused on increasing renewable energy usage, exploring hydrogen as a key component of its future energy mix, addressing challenges related to storage and supply stability, while navigating complex international relations particularly concerning dependence on Chinese technology and products[para. 1-14].

AI generated, for reference only
Who’s Who
LONGi Green Energy
隆基绿能
Summary: Based on the article content provided, LONGi Green Energy is mentioned in the context of an anti-subsidy investigation initiated by the European Commission. On April 3, the European Commission announced that it had launched an anti-subsidy investigation into photovoltaic projects in Romania involving LONGi Green Energy (601012.SH) and Shanghai Electric (601727.SH/02727.HK), which are leading companies in China's photovoltaic sector. This investigation reflects ongoing scrutiny and regulatory actions concerning Chinese companies in the renewable energy sector within the European Union.
Shanghai Electric
上海电气
Summary: Shanghai Electric, referred to in the article, is a leading energy equipment company based in China. It is involved in a wide range of sectors including electrical equipment manufacturing and power generation. The company has been highlighted in the context of an anti-subsidy investigation initiated by the European Commission on April 3rd regarding its photovoltaic projects in Romania. This investigation is part of broader scrutiny into Chinese companies' operations within the EU, reflecting concerns over subsidies and competitive practices. Shanghai Electric's involvement in such high-profile international projects underscores its significant role in the global energy sector, particularly in renewable energy technologies like photovoltaics.
CATL
宁德时代
Summary: Based on the article content provided, there is no specific information or mention of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited), which is a leading global supplier of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The article focuses on Germany's energy transition, renewable energy developments, and international cooperation in the field of hydrogen energy and other clean energy technologies. It discusses Germany's efforts to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and increase the share of renewable energies in its power supply, as well as its interactions with various countries regarding energy partnerships. For details about CATL or its involvement in these areas, additional sources would need to be consulted.
BYD
比亚迪
Summary: According to the article, BYD is mentioned as one of the industry's leading brands that participated in the "European Smart Energy Exhibition" held in Munich in June 2023. This exhibition is described as the largest energy industry platform in Europe, with participation from nearly 2500 companies across 57 countries. Chinese companies, including BYD, dominated the event, making up approximately eighty percent of the exhibitors. The booth of BYD, along with other top Chinese brands, attracted a significant number of European customers who were interested in discussing business opportunities. This highlights BYD's prominent position and recognition in the global renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors.
ThyssenKrupp AG
蒂森克虏伯股份公司
Summary: According to the article, ThyssenKrupp AG is a traditional industrial giant in Germany. The company's CEO, Miguel López, discussed their efforts towards decarbonization in the steel industry at the China Development Forum (CDF) 2024. He highlighted that traditional blast furnace ironmaking using coal results in high carbon dioxide emissions. By substituting coal with hydrogen gas as both a reducing agent and energy source for ironmaking, significant carbon reduction in the steel industry can be achieved. ThyssenKrupp is constructing the first direct reduction plant using hydrogen gas in Germany, which will have two furnaces capable of producing 2.5 million tons of direct reduced iron annually. This project is one of the largest industrial decarbonization projects globally, with a total investment close to 3 billion euros, nearly 2 billion of which is supported by funding from the German federal and state governments.
AI generated, for reference only
What Happened When
March 2023:
Germany's renewable energy share surpasses 50% for the first time, reaching 55%.
2023:
Germany plans to increase the share of renewable energy in electricity generation to 80% by 2030 and achieve a power supply entirely from renewable sources by 2035.
2023:
Germany aims to completely phase out coal by 2030.
April 2023:
Germany extends the operation of its last three nuclear power plants, which cease operations.
2023:
Germany's nuclear power's share in electricity generation falls to 1.5%.
February 2024:
Germany agrees to provide €16 billion in subsidies to gas-fired power plants that can convert to hydrogen.
2024:
Germany plans to replace all its power supply sources with renewable energy by 2035.
AI generated, for reference only
Subscribe to unlock Digest Hub
SUBSCRIBE NOW
PODCAST
Caixin Biz Roundup: Chinese Shipping Costs Spike, Cosco Defends Peru Port Rights
00:00
00:00/00:00