Today, Germany can easily be considered a pioneer in the renewal energy industry. In 2000 the country implemented The Renewable Energy Act, which paved the way to rapid research and development of new ways to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.  Thanks to this act they are leading the way in the renewable energy industry with about 25 percent of the country’s electricity coming from new and cleaner sources of Energy. Their different types of renewable energy include wind, solar power, geothermal power, and hydroelectric energy and biofuels.

While much good has certainly come from the act, there are many who believe the cons vastly out way the pros.  There exist arguments that question truly how effective the act is at efficiently reducing greenhouse gases. The Act has included massive government subsidies to energy companies in order to provide energy to citizens at a reasonably cost. These measure are however not enough to make up for the inconsistencies involved with some renewable resources such as wind and solar energy. As these forms of power can be intermittent, it is difficult to provide stable, reliable and cost friendly energy to German citizens. These prices are forcing many to reassess their faith in renewable energy. For some, the cost of renewable energy measures is not incentive enough to convert from the inexpensive fossil fuels of today.

The old saying about the road to hell being paved with good intentions could not be more accurate in the case of Germany’s Clean Air Policy. A policy enacted in 2000, it was designed to stimulate the research and implementation of cleaner sources of energy throughout the country. More than a decade later the entire initiative is now being reassessed for its actual, efficiency and overall profitability. There are those whose full support is easily earned by the policies, and others who feel it is but a blindly optimistic piece of legislature.

I however, consider it a challenge to both parties. This act should remind us of the pressing issues of global warming and climate change. It should encourage us to become active when it comes to protecting and preserving our planet. While it should never be left simply to the federal government to force and regulate change in a premature environment, Germany’s policies should challenge both renewable energy companies and the producers of fossil fuels to develop more efficient ways of producing cleaner and more cost effective energy. Overall, despite its kinks, Germany’s clean air policy is a step in the right direction.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-20/germany-s-clean-energy-transforms-industrial-city-of-hamburg.html

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/08/28/germanys-new-renewable-energy-policy/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy_in_Germany