“If anyone can pull off the energy transition, it’s Germany”
Claudia Kemfert argues for a well-thought-out energy transition at the Econvent
At the “Talk im Econvent”, the conversation with energy economist Claudia Kemfert revolved entirely around the energy transition. For her, ecology and economy are not opposites.
Is the energy transition being financed in a socially unfair way? Is the federal government’s climate package a disappointment from a scientific point of view? Are the lobbyists of the past stronger than the lobbyists of the future? Thomas Puchan discussed questions like these at the latest “Talk im Econvent” with energy economist and professor Claudia Kemfert. The hotel director had to step in at short notice for the evening’s presenter, who was ill. Puchan’s advantage: the questions had been very well prepared, and the lively conversation with the prominent guest brought up many further aspects.
For Claudia Kemfert, who heads the Energy, Transport and Environment department at the German Institute for Economic Research and is one of the most sought-after experts on energy issues, one thing is certain: the energy transition is paid for above all by people on lower incomes. This is politically intended and is also reflected in the climate package. Scientists had made other proposals. Kemfert argues for the Swiss model, in which those who behave in a climate-friendly way benefit. People who cannot afford many things and usually produce little CO2 would then be at an advantage.
For the professor, ecology and economy are not opposites: “We have to look at what past energy transitions cost. Then we can put the current one in proper perspective. Nuclear energy was never competitive and never will be.” If the real costs of fossil energy were added to the electricity price, the surcharge would be at least twice as high as the levy under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which is set to rise to around 6.75 cents per kilowatt hour in 2020. “We don’t have cost transparency; we pay for it secretly via the state budget,” Claudia Kemfert pointed out. There are still environmentally harmful subsidies for coal and oil heating and the commuter allowance, which in her view is more of an urban sprawl bonus.
One thing is clear to the energy economist: primary energy demand must come down significantly. In transport this can be achieved because electric drives are highly efficient. In addition, cars must become much smaller, lighter and fewer, and their batteries must be no larger than necessary. At the end of their life, batteries must be 100 per cent recycled. If further savings are then added, for example through energy-efficient renovation of houses and energy-plus buildings, Germany could cover its entire energy demand itself. That would end dependence on despots supplying raw materials and counteract wars over raw materials: “The energy transition is the biggest peace project in the world.”
The argument that Germany’s share of global CO2 emissions is comparatively small came as no surprise. Yes, said Kemfert, but Germany ranks high in per capita emissions, can have an impact far beyond its own borders by exporting environmentally friendly products, and is a role model for other countries: “If anyone can pull off the energy transition, many people in other countries think, it’s Germany.” Japan’s hydrogen strategy should not be copied, as it is based on nuclear power: “Hydrogen is expensive and inefficient; energy demand rises eightfold.” Hydrogen is needed where purely electric drive is not possible, i.e. in heavy goods transport, shipping and long-haul flights.
Claudia Kemfert also considers wind energy necessary, but complains: “There are lobby groups that talk it down – some of them paid by the fossil fuel industry. There is evidence of this.” The claim that new power lines are needed before renewable energies can be used is a delaying tactic: “Most coal-fired power stations are north of the Main line. If they are switched off, a lot of capacity will be freed up.” Perhaps Emperor Wilhelm, who thought the car was a passing phenomenon, will be proved right in the long run after all: “That applies at least to the combustion engine car, which stands around for 23 hours a day,” says Kemfert.
First published in the Eßlinger Zeitung on 10 November 2019 by the author Peter Dietrich