Alternative Energy Policies in Germany with particular Reference to Solar Energy

Abstract

Rising fuel prices, threats to supplies and the global problem of climate change demand adequate responses (Brown, 2008). The energy policy of the EU aims to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy to make a very significant contribution to reducing emissions, improving security of energy supply, and boosting competitiveness of technology innovation in renewable energy sectors. Germany—as the largest member state in the EU in terms of population and economic output—plays a key role. Germany is an acknowledged world leader in the development of technologies for the generation of solar systems for producing electricity and heat. In particular, the German government has boosted renewable energy as share of total energy consumption by remarkable measures involving first hand attractive feed-in tariffs. Additionally, the German government wanted to create employment through supporting the development of competitive green technology in the long-term.