Energy Security and Conflict with Other Values: The Case of Germany

Abstract

Abstract This chapter demonstrates that in Germany there exists a relatively dense complex of rules and regulations designed to ensure security of energy supply. It notes that this relates to both aspects of energy security: the availability of energy, and the technical continuity of the energy supply system. It explains that whether both sets of rules are sufficient to cope with a crisis can be finally determined only when an emergency arises. It discusses that the security of supply will find it even more difficult to prevail over conflicting values where the balancing process takes place on the basis of statutory provisions which primarily serve those other values. It clarifies that whether security of energy supply will be given its necessary weight in the future will often depend on the balancing of considerations under legislation not primarily concerned with energy.