Germany and its successful energy transition

In brief

To the 2020 myths come new ones: that Germany erred by closing its nuclear plants, is de-industrialising and that the transition has failed. The author explains the nuclear exit as a mix of Fukushima, the need for grid space for renewables, promised Russian gas and costly, subsidised nuclear (€112–169bn of subsidies per a Bundestag document), and blames chemical-industry troubles on the war and the end of cheap gas, not on renewables. His conclusion: Europe should electrify and the war in Ukraine must end.