SoftwareEngineer wrote:
MaxE wrote:
In reference to the subject, I think the German energy policy is grossly irresponsible for two reasons. By shutting down all their nuclear plants, they have:
1.) Increased their CO2 output by relying more heavily on coal-fired power plants to compensate for the loss of nuclear power.
2.) Put themselves politically at the mercy of Russia due to fear that Russia will interfere with their access to natural gas if they don't dance to the Russians' tune.
Very good points. In reference to point 2, Germany has economically burdened itself with socialism to the extent they may not be viable opposing the Russians in Cold War II, so they will have to live according to Russian dictates.
That said, I have a German inverter on my solar system and it works very well.
Germany is economically burdened by socialism? This is so far out. Germany is the economic powerhouse of Europe and has economic freedom comparable to the US. Unlike the US though, they have a positive balance of trade (and a big one too). They are a very productive country (chart below).
The Germans (and other Europeans) are already dependant on Russian gas and oil. Aside from some token sanctions the EU won't do anything against Russia. I think most people believe now that Crimea isn't going back to Ukraine anyway. Still, closing down the nuclear power plants was a stupid move in my opinion, but the Germans I've spoken to were all very much anti-nuclear.