"The promotion of renewable energy has led to substantial displacement effects on employment in the conventional energy production sectors, as well as in downstream industries that are particularly energy-intensive,"
Green Energy Transition Endangers German Industry
By Guest Column Dr. Benny Peiser——Bio and Archives--February 27, 2012
Last spring, Chancellor Angela Merkel set Germany on course to eliminate nuclear power in favour of renewable energy sources. Now, though, several industries are suffering as electricity prices rapidly rise. Many companies are having to close factories or move abroad. Berlin's energy policy affects all classic industrial sectors, from the steel and aluminium industry to paper and cement manufacturers, as well as the chemical industry. The metal industry, long an important sector in Germany, is already migrating to countries with cheaper electricity. --Frank Dohmen and Alexander Neubacher, Spiegel Online, 24 February 2012
Billions of pounds' worth of investment in Britain's energy infrastructure is under threat amid fears the government’s commitment to wind energy has wavered, it has emerged. Some of the world's biggest wind companies, who are considering expanding their business in Britain, say they are reviewing their investments due to a growing backlash against the technology. Earlier this month, more than 100 MPs wrote to David Cameron, the Prime Minister demanding cuts to the £400 million a year subsidies paid to the wind power industry. --Andrew Hough, The Daily Telegraph, 27 February 2012
The Tory high command may be hedging on coalition's renewable energy policy by quietly encouraging opposition to windfarms. Chris Heaton-Harris, the Tory MP who collected the signatures of more than half his party's backbenchers … took just three days to collect them; weeks later, nobody has got an equal number of MPs to sign support for onshore wind – although a group of pro-renewable interests is mustering backing from more predictable interests, including renewable companies and environmental campaigners. Heaton-Harris now believes he has enough support across the political spectrum, including at least 10 Labour MPs, to form an all-party group – a permanent reminder to ministers of the opposition on all sides, not least his own. --Juliette Jowit, The Observer, 26 February 2012
Energy companies are preparing to shut down their loss-making gas plants as Britain turns to coal to keep the lights on through the economic downturn. They have also warned that they will not build new plants to replace ageing nuclear reactors and coal-fired stations when they close in the second half of the decade, unless the Government introduces new subsidies. --Tim Webb, The Times, 21 February 2012
Britain's manufacturers are urging government to abandon plans to double the UK's unlilateral carbon tax in the forthcoming Budget amidst fears that it will widen the competitiveness gap between UK and European industrial electricity prices. “The more government policies push up the cost of operating in the UK, the harder it will be for manufacturers to invest, create jobs and compete in global markets. The Government has the choice and must think again about imposing this unilateral increase.” said EEF Director of Policy, Steve Radley. --Ben Simmons, Fresh Business Thinking, 24 February 2012
As a major exporter it is essential that the UK remains competitive with our European and global competitors. Any additional levy on energy costs that does not retain parity with the rest of the world simply puts UK manufacturing at an instant disadvantage that ultimately damages the UK manufacturing base. On one hand the government appears to be supporting UK Manufacturing with initiatives like the Regional Growth Fund, and on the other we see the benefits being eroded with proposed increased energy taxes. --Geoff Willis, North East Business, 27 February 2012
The German government has agreed to accelerate the next round of cuts in state-mandated photovoltaic incentives by three months to April 1 after a record-breaking expansion of solar power in 2011. Government sources said on Wednesday the cuts of 20 to 30% would be moved forward to April 1, news that sent share prices tumbling. --EurActiv, 24 February 2012
Countryfile presenter Matt Baker has waded into the debate over wind farms by questioning their effectiveness. The 2011 Farmers Weekly Awards host, 34, was asked to name the greatest threat to the countryside and he criticised the increasing number of wind turbines appearing across the UK. --Philip Case, Farmers Weekly, 25 February 2012
