Politics
Energy Independence: Is Germany’s Energiewende on Track After the Gas Crisis?
The loss of Russian gas forced Germany to rethink its energy future. We examine the setbacks and surprising successes of the Energiewende in a new geopolitical reality.
Germany’s ambitious energy transition, the Energiewende, faced its ultimate stress test following the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the sudden cutoff of Russian gas. The nation scrambled to secure alternative supplies, reactivate coal plants, and accelerate its shift to renewables. But where does this leave the original goals of the project?
The crisis acted as a powerful accelerant for some aspects of the transition. The government fast-tracked legislation to boost renewable energy, with a target of 80% of power from renewables by 2030. LNG terminals were built at a breakneck speed to facilitate gas imports from other countries, ensuring energy security in the short term.
However, compromises were made. The temporary return to coal power was a clear setback for emissions targets. Furthermore, the complete nuclear phase-out in 2023 removed a key source of low-carbon energy from the grid, a decision that remains highly controversial.
The path forward is a complex mix of progress and pragmatism. Germany is building renewables faster than ever but is also locked into new LNG infrastructure for years to come. The journey to a fully sustainable and independent energy supply is far from over, but the crisis may have ultimately forged a more resilient and determined path.