The German Energiewende is a program aimed at increasing energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy sources while phasing out nuclear power and fossil fuels. The most significant impact of the program is on the power generation and transmission segment, with wind, solar, and biomass/gas power production accounting for 25.8% of Germany's gross power production. The program has led to the retirement of oil, gas, and older hard coal plants, resulting in a drop in power plant capacity. The authors identify environmental and market regulation risks, as well as risks from the political sphere and energy lobbying, as potential challenges to the program's success. They conclude that the Energiewende has the potential to transform Germany's electric energy system, but further efforts are needed to address the identified risks.
