Germany has long been a leader in renewable energy, but recent data shows that the country is making significant strides in reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by shifting away from coal and nuclear energy. According to a report by CleanTechnica, Germany’s CO2 emissions decreased by 10% in 2019, marking the largest annual decline in nearly a decade.
One of the key factors driving this reduction in emissions is the country’s decision to phase out coal-fired power plants. Germany has set a target to completely phase out coal by 2038, with the government offering financial incentives to coal plant operators to shut down their facilities early. This move has not only helped to reduce emissions, but it has also created opportunities for renewable energy sources to fill the gap left by coal.
In addition to phasing out coal, Germany has also been reducing its reliance on nuclear energy. Following the Fukushima disaster in 2011, the German government decided to accelerate the phase-out of nuclear power, with all nuclear plants set to be shut down by 2022. While this decision has been controversial, it has contributed to the overall decrease in CO2 emissions in the country.
As Germany continues to transition away from coal and nuclear energy, the focus is now shifting towards expanding its gas networks. Natural gas is seen as a cleaner alternative to coal and can help to bridge the gap as renewable energy sources are further developed. Germany is investing in expanding its gas infrastructure, including building new pipelines and storage facilities, to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Australia is considering the possibility of introducing nuclear energy as a way to reduce its own carbon emissions. With a heavy reliance on coal for electricity generation, Australia is facing pressure to transition to cleaner energy sources. Nuclear energy is being touted as a potential solution, with proponents arguing that it could help to reduce emissions while providing a reliable source of baseload power.
However, the debate over nuclear energy in Australia is far from settled, with concerns about safety, waste disposal, and cost still looming large. The country’s government is currently conducting a parliamentary inquiry into the feasibility of nuclear energy, with a final report expected later this year.
As countries around the world grapple with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, Germany’s example serves as a valuable lesson in how transitioning away from coal and nuclear energy can lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions. With a focus on expanding gas networks and investing in renewable energy sources, Germany is paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
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- Source: https://zephyrnet.com/germanys-co2-off-10-coal-nuclear-down-gas-networks-next-oz-debates-nuclear-cleantechnica/