IGEM Country Brief: Learning from Germany’s heat policy controversy

Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world and largest energy consumer in Europe.

In 2010 Germany embarked on an ambitious energy transition known as the “Energiewende”, directly translated as “energy turnaround”, which garnered broad cross-party support on a platform of expanding renewable energy and phasing out both coal and nuclear power generation.

Along with many other developed nations it has made bold commitments to reducing its carbon emissions. As part of its Climate Action Law, Germany has committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2045.