strong increase in the volume of fluctuating
new routes will run close to residential areas.
wind and solar power generated. Among
The grid operators attempt to take concerns
other things it is about ensuring the avail-
into consideration at an early stage. So as to
ability of gas-fired power stations, which
defuse conflicts, thought is also being given
can be used as required, and which emit
to laying the electricity cables in under-
considerably less carbon dioxide than coal-
ground cables.
fired power stations.
The Energy Reform requires not only the establishment of new, “green” power stations. To
ensure a reliable supply, power grids have to be
adapted to the new structure. To this end
there are plans, for example, to add several
thousand kilometres of high-voltage lines.
This way electricity from wind power, which
is primarily enerated in north Germany, can
reach the strong economic hubs that are the
centres of consumption in the south.
In order to be able to accommodate the solar
GLOBAL
Climate study
800 scientists from 80 countries work for
the United Nations’ Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
In spring 2015, the panel of experts
issued the Synthesis Report of the Fifth
IPCC Assessment Report. It states that
greenhouse gas emissions are the main
cause of climate change. Drastic steps
are needed if global warming is to be
limited to two degrees Celsius.
→ ipcc.ch
power that is fed into the network from decentral sources, the regional grids also need
to be expanded. Not infrequently this expansion of the grid meets with resistance on the
part of the residents in regions in which the
France
Germany
Source: Federal Statistical Office
Japan
Russian Federation
United States
China
1.0 %
2.4 %
3.9 %
5.1 %
15.0 %
29.1 %
Share of electricity in Germany generated from
renewable sources (terawatt forecast)
80 %
28 %
35 %
14 %
2007
2014
2020
2050
Source: Fraunhofer ISE/BDEW/BMWi
Carbon dioxide emissions in 2013/worldwide share