Efficiency and Public Acceptance of European Grid Expansion Projects: Lessons Learned across Europe
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2013)
The adoption of the European Union’s target to increase the share of energy from renewable sources to 20 % requires a substantial modernisation and rebuilding of the electricity grid. Current grid projects are often delayed for a variety of reasons, such as the inefficiency of permitting procedures or local opposition. In fall 2011, the European Commission proposed a regulation which aims at enhancing the necessary grid expansion. The legislation was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in April and came into force on 15 May 2013. Among other considerations, the legislation aims at tackling the aforementioned challenges by making permitting procedures more efficient and implementing measures to increase the acceptance of new power-lines. However, questions remain about the quality and quantity of the proposed provisions designed to overcome all details of the identified problems. It will depend on the implementation of this legislation both on the European and on local level whether the new provisions will prove to be successful in terms of increased procedure efficiency and decreased public opposition. EU institutions, national governments, and competent public authorities should be aware of the area of conflict between improved procedure efficiency and increased public acceptance.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2013)
The adoption of the European Union’s target to increase the share of energy from renewable sources to 20 % requires a substantial modernisation and rebuilding of the electricity grid. Current grid projects are often delayed for a variety of reasons, such as the inefficiency of permitting procedures or local opposition. In fall 2011, the European Commission proposed a regulation which aims at enhancing the necessary grid expansion. The legislation was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in April and came into force on 15 May 2013. Among other considerations, the legislation aims at tackling the aforementioned challenges by making permitting procedures more efficient and implementing measures to increase the acceptance of new power-lines. However, questions remain about the quality and quantity of the proposed provisions designed to overcome all details of the identified problems. It will depend on the implementation of this legislation both on the European and on local level whether the new provisions will prove to be successful in terms of increased procedure efficiency and decreased public opposition. EU institutions, national governments, and competent public authorities should be aware of the area of conflict between improved procedure efficiency and increased public acceptance.
The Energiewende in Germany: Background, Developments and Future Challenges
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2013)
This article explores the background to the Energiewende in Germany and recent developments. Specifically, it examines the ongoing politics of this commitment to phase-out nuclear power, reduce fossil fuel use and ensure continued economic growth. Distinctions between the German Energiewende and energy transitions in other countries are drawn, the actions undertaken and the forms of governance and politics shaping them outlined. While Germany is a leader in renewable energy, and the broad societal consensus against nuclear power is uniquely German, political and societal conflicts of a more general nature are emerging. Other countries follow closely developments occuring in Germany and may learn from the German experience. The key objective of this article is thus to draw attention to the politics of the Energiewende in Germany and the key debates and difficult decisions emerging.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2013)
This article explores the background to the Energiewende in Germany and recent developments. Specifically, it examines the ongoing politics of this commitment to phase-out nuclear power, reduce fossil fuel use and ensure continued economic growth. Distinctions between the German Energiewende and energy transitions in other countries are drawn, the actions undertaken and the forms of governance and politics shaping them outlined. While Germany is a leader in renewable energy, and the broad societal consensus against nuclear power is uniquely German, political and societal conflicts of a more general nature are emerging. Other countries follow closely developments occuring in Germany and may learn from the German experience. The key objective of this article is thus to draw attention to the politics of the Energiewende in Germany and the key debates and difficult decisions emerging.
The New Planning Regime for the Expansion of the German Onshore Electricity Grid – a Role Model for Europe?
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2013)
Since Summer 2011, a new planning regime governs the expansion of the German onshore electricity grid. Its aim is to accelerate the installation and operation of electricity transmission cables in order to bring the nationally proclaimed “energy transition” forward. To this end, a complex new four-tiered planning regime has been adopted, which endows extensive responsibility for planning and implementing the development of the national electricity grid to a federal authority. To some extent, with this new regime, the German legislator implemented ahead of time a number of planning law requirements which are binding for all EU Member States on the basis of the newly adopted EU-Regulation No. 347/2013. Hence, Germany’s new planning regime for the expansion of its electricity grid could potentially provide a role model for transposing the new EU regulation, and, as such, possibly be of interest to other EU Member States’ legislators. This article presents an overview of the new German onshore planning regime along with an initial evaluation and outlines the new EU Regulation No. 347/2013, followed by a discussion as to whether the German regime could be a role model for other EU Member States currently deciding how to achieve the desired acceleration effects.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2013)
Since Summer 2011, a new planning regime governs the expansion of the German onshore electricity grid. Its aim is to accelerate the installation and operation of electricity transmission cables in order to bring the nationally proclaimed “energy transition” forward. To this end, a complex new four-tiered planning regime has been adopted, which endows extensive responsibility for planning and implementing the development of the national electricity grid to a federal authority. To some extent, with this new regime, the German legislator implemented ahead of time a number of planning law requirements which are binding for all EU Member States on the basis of the newly adopted EU-Regulation No. 347/2013. Hence, Germany’s new planning regime for the expansion of its electricity grid could potentially provide a role model for transposing the new EU regulation, and, as such, possibly be of interest to other EU Member States’ legislators. This article presents an overview of the new German onshore planning regime along with an initial evaluation and outlines the new EU Regulation No. 347/2013, followed by a discussion as to whether the German regime could be a role model for other EU Member States currently deciding how to achieve the desired acceleration effects.
The Unequal Burden-Sharing of the German Energy Transformation
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (2/2013)
Over the last fifteen years, the German government has successfully encouraged the rapid adoption of renewable energy, especially wide-spread adoption of small-scale distributed generation, through the use of a feed-in tariff and associated policies and incentives. Germany’s Energiewende and the phase-out of nuclear power will entail the adoption of ever more renewable energy. While there has been clear success in the installation of renewable energy, the costs of Germany’s promotional policies are underexplored, particularly in terms of the distributional effects. This article explores these distributional effects, including the asymmetric distribution of earnings from small-scale installations accruing to private households.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (2/2013)
Over the last fifteen years, the German government has successfully encouraged the rapid adoption of renewable energy, especially wide-spread adoption of small-scale distributed generation, through the use of a feed-in tariff and associated policies and incentives. Germany’s Energiewende and the phase-out of nuclear power will entail the adoption of ever more renewable energy. While there has been clear success in the installation of renewable energy, the costs of Germany’s promotional policies are underexplored, particularly in terms of the distributional effects. This article explores these distributional effects, including the asymmetric distribution of earnings from small-scale installations accruing to private households.
The German Energiewende – History, Targets, Policies and Challenges
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (2/2013)
Over the past years, the German Energiewende (energy transition) has gained a lot of attention internationally. In particular, policy-makers and experts were impressed, astounded and sometimes shocked by the rapid decision of the German government to phase out nuclear power after the March 2011 accident in the Japanese power plants of Fukushima Daiichi. However, the term Energiewende implies a much larger scope of policies. With the aim to provide clarifications, this paper intends to define the term Energiewende, explain its historical context and describe the related targets and policies. In addition, the paper sheds light on the unique features of the German Energiewende in comparison to energy transitions in other jurisdictions.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (2/2013)
Over the past years, the German Energiewende (energy transition) has gained a lot of attention internationally. In particular, policy-makers and experts were impressed, astounded and sometimes shocked by the rapid decision of the German government to phase out nuclear power after the March 2011 accident in the Japanese power plants of Fukushima Daiichi. However, the term Energiewende implies a much larger scope of policies. With the aim to provide clarifications, this paper intends to define the term Energiewende, explain its historical context and describe the related targets and policies. In addition, the paper sheds light on the unique features of the German Energiewende in comparison to energy transitions in other jurisdictions.
Subsidies or Free Markets to Promote Renewables?
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (12/2012)
OECD governments are reviewing government outlays to assess whether certain expenditures could be reduced or eliminated. Energy subsidies and other supports are among those areas being reviewed. While perverse energy subsidies should be eliminated, the authors argue that support for renewable energy remain a priority, both on climate change grounds, but also due to the market advantages fossil fuels enjoy vis-à-vis renewables. Policymakers have instruments at their disposal that promote renewables through the power of markets in the form of renewable portfolio standards and feed-in tariffs. The authors argue for the continued use of these instruments in the medium term.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (12/2012)
OECD governments are reviewing government outlays to assess whether certain expenditures could be reduced or eliminated. Energy subsidies and other supports are among those areas being reviewed. While perverse energy subsidies should be eliminated, the authors argue that support for renewable energy remain a priority, both on climate change grounds, but also due to the market advantages fossil fuels enjoy vis-à-vis renewables. Policymakers have instruments at their disposal that promote renewables through the power of markets in the form of renewable portfolio standards and feed-in tariffs. The authors argue for the continued use of these instruments in the medium term.
From Subsidies to Markets: Pursuing a More Effective American Energy Policy
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (12/2012)
Since the early 1900s, American energy policy has been woven into a complex web of subsidies, incentives, and complicated tax schemes. The complexities of government policy today create significant uncertainty in energy industries, distort markets, and create perverse economic outcomes. In pursuing a transition toward cleaner, renewable energy, the United States would be best served by phasing out subsidies for all sources, accounting for externalities in the market, and investing in research and development. While well-intentioned, the current American strategy is costly, ineffective, and counterproductive. To lead the world in a 21st Century energy transition, the U.S. should change its direction and reestablish a market that will encourage competition, innovation, and growth.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (12/2012)
Since the early 1900s, American energy policy has been woven into a complex web of subsidies, incentives, and complicated tax schemes. The complexities of government policy today create significant uncertainty in energy industries, distort markets, and create perverse economic outcomes. In pursuing a transition toward cleaner, renewable energy, the United States would be best served by phasing out subsidies for all sources, accounting for externalities in the market, and investing in research and development. While well-intentioned, the current American strategy is costly, ineffective, and counterproductive. To lead the world in a 21st Century energy transition, the U.S. should change its direction and reestablish a market that will encourage competition, innovation, and growth.
Power-to-Gas: The Legal Framework for a Long-Term Energy Storage Technology in Germany
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (12/2012)
Germany’s ambitious renewable energy strategy has uncovered some deficiencies in the current energy system. As the development of solar energy and wind farms continues, an expansion and reinforcement of the grid is needed to reach remote production sites and absorb the highly intermittent renewable energy inputs these produce. The strain on the grid can, to a certain extent, be relieved through storage of renewable energy during peak-production hours. Storage technologies may support the integration of intermittent renewable energy into the energy systems. In this light, this article investigates the technology, functions and the legal framework of ‘power-to-gas’, a novel storage concept with ample application potential and flexibility.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (12/2012)
Germany’s ambitious renewable energy strategy has uncovered some deficiencies in the current energy system. As the development of solar energy and wind farms continues, an expansion and reinforcement of the grid is needed to reach remote production sites and absorb the highly intermittent renewable energy inputs these produce. The strain on the grid can, to a certain extent, be relieved through storage of renewable energy during peak-production hours. Storage technologies may support the integration of intermittent renewable energy into the energy systems. In this light, this article investigates the technology, functions and the legal framework of ‘power-to-gas’, a novel storage concept with ample application potential and flexibility.
Wind Farm Development in the Belgian Part of the North Sea: A Policy Odyssey without Precedent
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (10/2012)
Die Autoren stellen einen sehr interessanten Rechtsfall im belgischen Teil der Nordsee vor. Das ökologisch wertvolle Meeresgebiet („Vlakte van de Raan“) grenzt unmittelbar an ein niederländisches Natura 2000-Gebiet, ist selbst (zu einem Teil) als FFH-Gebiet bereits auf der Gemeinschaftsliste für die atlantische Region und zugleich Projektgebiet für eine Windfarm mit 50 Anlagen und einer geplanten Leistung von 2 MW. Der Fall ähnelt mit seinen unerwarteten und beispiellosen Wendungen einer Odysee zwischen den Interessen der Industriepolitik, Anforderungen des Naturschutzrechts der europäischen Union, des belgischen (und flämischen) Verwaltungsrechts und der zugrundeliegenden Kompetenzordnung, angereichert mit Problemen der Staatshaftung, die durch vorzeitige und später widerrufene Genehmigungserteilung an die Betreiber ausgelöst wurden. Ein Lehrstück, das auch die Notwendigkeit einer bindenden Raumplanung im Meer verdeutlicht. Als Lösung aus der verfahrenen Situation schlagen die Autoren vor, das Verfahren zur Schutzgebietsausweisung des belgischen Teils von „Vlakte van den Raan“ ganz von neuem zu beginnen und 2014 noch abzuschließen, um ein Vertragsverletzungsverfahren der EU-Kommission zu verhindern.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (10/2012)
Die Autoren stellen einen sehr interessanten Rechtsfall im belgischen Teil der Nordsee vor. Das ökologisch wertvolle Meeresgebiet („Vlakte van de Raan“) grenzt unmittelbar an ein niederländisches Natura 2000-Gebiet, ist selbst (zu einem Teil) als FFH-Gebiet bereits auf der Gemeinschaftsliste für die atlantische Region und zugleich Projektgebiet für eine Windfarm mit 50 Anlagen und einer geplanten Leistung von 2 MW. Der Fall ähnelt mit seinen unerwarteten und beispiellosen Wendungen einer Odysee zwischen den Interessen der Industriepolitik, Anforderungen des Naturschutzrechts der europäischen Union, des belgischen (und flämischen) Verwaltungsrechts und der zugrundeliegenden Kompetenzordnung, angereichert mit Problemen der Staatshaftung, die durch vorzeitige und später widerrufene Genehmigungserteilung an die Betreiber ausgelöst wurden. Ein Lehrstück, das auch die Notwendigkeit einer bindenden Raumplanung im Meer verdeutlicht. Als Lösung aus der verfahrenen Situation schlagen die Autoren vor, das Verfahren zur Schutzgebietsausweisung des belgischen Teils von „Vlakte van den Raan“ ganz von neuem zu beginnen und 2014 noch abzuschließen, um ein Vertragsverletzungsverfahren der EU-Kommission zu verhindern.
Europe’s Air Becomes More and More Expensive: The Integration of Maritime Transport into the European Emission Trading Scheme
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (8/2012)
Europas Geduld mit der internationalen Seeschifffahrtsorganisation neigt sich dem Ende zu: Da bisher auf internationaler Ebene eine Einigung auf eine verbindliche Reduktion der Treibhausgasemissionen des Schifffahrtssektors nicht in Sicht ist, plant die Europäische Union die Einführung eigener Maßnahmen. Die wahrscheinliche Option ist der Einbezug in das europäische Emissionshandelssystem, so wie es bereits für den Flugverkehr seit Januar 2012 der Fall ist. Dies würde die internationale Seeschifffahrt vor finanzielle, technische, und administrative Herausforderungen stellen – nicht nur in Europa. Ein solches Handelssystem wirft darüber hinaus, je nach Anwendungsbereich und Ausgestaltung, rechtliche Fragen im Hinblick auf seine Vereinbarkeit mit Völkerrecht auf, insbesondere bezüglich Vorschriften des Seerechts, des internationalen Handelsrechts und der Legalität extraterritorialer Maßnahmen.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (8/2012)
Europas Geduld mit der internationalen Seeschifffahrtsorganisation neigt sich dem Ende zu: Da bisher auf internationaler Ebene eine Einigung auf eine verbindliche Reduktion der Treibhausgasemissionen des Schifffahrtssektors nicht in Sicht ist, plant die Europäische Union die Einführung eigener Maßnahmen. Die wahrscheinliche Option ist der Einbezug in das europäische Emissionshandelssystem, so wie es bereits für den Flugverkehr seit Januar 2012 der Fall ist. Dies würde die internationale Seeschifffahrt vor finanzielle, technische, und administrative Herausforderungen stellen – nicht nur in Europa. Ein solches Handelssystem wirft darüber hinaus, je nach Anwendungsbereich und Ausgestaltung, rechtliche Fragen im Hinblick auf seine Vereinbarkeit mit Völkerrecht auf, insbesondere bezüglich Vorschriften des Seerechts, des internationalen Handelsrechts und der Legalität extraterritorialer Maßnahmen.
