Go Green: An Examination of Alternative Energy in Germany

Abstract

This thesis examines the development of German alternative energy technology since the early 1990s. It explores the various motivating factors behind Germany's expansion of alternative energy, including the nation's growing population and energy needs, its decision to phase-out nuclear energy use, and its increasing dependence on foreign providers for traditional carbon-based energy sources. This thesis also reviews the current state of alternative energy development in Germany, focusing on the major types of renewable energy in use today, such as biomass, hydropower, wind energy, geothermal, and solar energy. In order to better understand the dramatic, rapid growth of German alternative energy, this thesis investigates the policies that both Germany and the European Union have implemented to encourage the development of renewable energy. Finally, this thesis considers the question of whether Germany can serve as a role model for other nations in their attempts to develop sustainable alternative energy technology.