Publication

Coherent promotion of renewables under a carbon emissions cap

Philippe Thalmann
2016
Book Chapters

Abstract

The German energy transition, with its massive subsidization of variable renewable electricity generation (wind, solar, etc.) leading to its dramatic expansion, has spurred controversy proportional to its ambitions. This chapter focuses on just one critique addressed against it: that it is actually bad for the climate. It shows that promoting renewables was not necessarily inefficient in the real world and it was certainly not ineffective at a global level.

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Philippe Thalmann
2016
Book Chapters

Abstract

Official source

Related concepts (21)

Renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy from renewable resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. Renewable resources include sunlight, wind, the movement of water, and geothermal heat. Although most renewable energy sources are sustainable, some are not. For example, some biomass sources are considered unsustainable at current rates of exploitation. Renewable energy is often used for electricity generation, heating and cooling.

Carbon emission trading

Emission trading (ETS) for carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHG) is a form of carbon pricing; also known as cap and trade (CAT) or carbon pricing. It is an approach to limit climate change by creating a market with limited allowances for emissions. This can lower competitiveness of fossil fuels and accelerate investments into low carbon sources of energy such as wind power and photovoltaics. Fossil fuels are the main driver for climate change. They account for 89% of all CO2 emissions and 68% of all GHG emissions.

Variable renewable energy

Variable renewable energy (VRE) or intermittent renewable energy sources (IRES) are renewable energy sources that are not dispatchable due to their fluctuating nature, such as wind power and solar power, as opposed to controllable renewable energy sources, such as dammed hydroelectricity or biomass, or relatively constant sources, such as geothermal power. The use of small amounts of intermittent power has little effect on grid operations. Using larger amounts of intermittent power may require upgrades or even a redesign of the grid infrastructure.

Related publications (5)

Coherent promotion of renewables under a carbon emissions cap

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