Renewables or Coal?

Last year marked a turning point for the EU’s energy policies. The dependency on Russian fossil fuels—gas in particular—had severe consequences for its member states and resulted in an energy supply crisis across the entire EU.

In response, the EU put forward measures focusing on the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the diversification of gas supply. Germany adopted the most comprehensive policy programme to promote the expansion of renewables and energy efficiency.

However, Germany has chosen coal as a short-term emergency alternative to replace gas and secure sufficient energy supply during the energy crisis. Its plans to phase out coal, however, remain unchanged. Overall, the gas crisis is likely to lead to an accelerated energy transition both in Germany and in the rest of the EU. We analysed Germany’s changing energy mix along with the Adelphi Institute and present the 11 identified lessons in this policy brief.

This policy brief is also available in Chinese. You can find the translated version below the English version in our download bar.