'Since 2020, the number of so-called redispatch measures to stabilise the power grid has almost tripled. Without these interventions, power outages would occur.' ∽ Prof. Timo Leukefeld
I don't think the fact that the energy sector operates on a for-profit basis is the source of Germany's energy woes. The problem stems from stupid government policies, specifically Frau Merkel's Energiewende. Reducing CO2 emissions might be a noble cause, but attempting to do so while simultaneously shutting down roughly 20 GW of reliable, carbon-free nuclear plants was just plain idiotic.
"Between 2020 and 2025, around 64 to 72 gigawatts of new wind and solar power capacity were installed in Germany."
Capacity. The wind & solar people keep using that word. I don't think it means what they think it means. ;)
Mind you, I like home solar. It saves me a lot of money on my electricity bill. Unfortunately, it is no energy panacea. I have 14 kW (AC) of "capacity" on my house. Over the course of the year 2025, it produced 13,863 kWh, for a capacity factor of 11.3%.
But even that doesn't tell the whole story. 14 kW of "capacity" cannot keep up with my consumption on a monthly basis in the winter. I'd need at least 2-1/2 times as much "capacity" to cover my consumption on a monthly basis in winter, plus an utterly absurd amount of battery capacity to ride out days when production is minimal or even nil due to thick clouds and snow on my panels, which would, of course, make it completely uneconomical.
Perhaps you are right, Epimetheus. Germany may lead Europe into sustainable Degrowth because they will be compelled to. This is what leadership looks like in the mid 21st century.
You can have an energy-sector devoted to making good standards of living and solid industry possible.
Or you can have an energy-sector devoted to making money.
The EU, and all its members, have tied their peoples' lives and futures to the neoliberal capitalist anchor of the second choice.
And they did so on orders (nudging) from Wall Street and the City of London: a poor choice, if there ever was one.
I don't think the fact that the energy sector operates on a for-profit basis is the source of Germany's energy woes. The problem stems from stupid government policies, specifically Frau Merkel's Energiewende. Reducing CO2 emissions might be a noble cause, but attempting to do so while simultaneously shutting down roughly 20 GW of reliable, carbon-free nuclear plants was just plain idiotic.
The UK says “hold my beer”.
No worrries, in this particular race to the bottom, everybody is welcome...
Robbing and destroying Germoney.
It's all going according to plan.
"Between 2020 and 2025, around 64 to 72 gigawatts of new wind and solar power capacity were installed in Germany."
Capacity. The wind & solar people keep using that word. I don't think it means what they think it means. ;)
Mind you, I like home solar. It saves me a lot of money on my electricity bill. Unfortunately, it is no energy panacea. I have 14 kW (AC) of "capacity" on my house. Over the course of the year 2025, it produced 13,863 kWh, for a capacity factor of 11.3%.
But even that doesn't tell the whole story. 14 kW of "capacity" cannot keep up with my consumption on a monthly basis in the winter. I'd need at least 2-1/2 times as much "capacity" to cover my consumption on a monthly basis in winter, plus an utterly absurd amount of battery capacity to ride out days when production is minimal or even nil due to thick clouds and snow on my panels, which would, of course, make it completely uneconomical.
Perhaps you are right, Epimetheus. Germany may lead Europe into sustainable Degrowth because they will be compelled to. This is what leadership looks like in the mid 21st century.