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Do you know what "renewables" are? When it comes to energy, it means saving our rainforests, reducing global warming...and emptying our refuse dumps. But how? The Kyoto Accords are a realtively new set of guidelines to reduce pollution globally. The USA is the only major nation that did not sign them. Hmmm. That might be worth checking into. But other countries are working hard to comply with these global guidelines, and "renewable energy" is at the forefront of their research and applicaiton efforts. Here is what one country is doing.

Germany Launches Its Transition To All Renewables

Germany's most urgent conclusion is that the period lasting until about 2020 comprises "make-or-break" years for the renewable energy transition. It is this conviction that has driven German policy makers to introduce the world's most aggressive support for renewables, to stick with it during the past decade and to guarantee that support for the next 20-30 years.

Wind Power

Germany's accomplishments since 1990 have been astonishing. By the end of September, Germany had 15,688 MW of wind installations, delivering 6.2% of the country's electrical energy. It was the world leader in total installations, as well as in the annual rate of installations. Germany has about 125% more installed wind energy capacity than either the U.S. or Spain, which are virtually tied for second.

Solar Power

Solar Thermal Water Heating: Germany also leads Europe in total and annual installations of solar thermal collectors for water heating.

Several factors were vital to the rapid rise of Germany's renewable energy industries:

Government's long-term commitment.

Their goal is to realize 45% renewable energy by 2050. This will increase jobs in the alternative energy sector, as well as impact quality of life, availability of new sources for energy as oil and gas reserves begin to decline, and could propel Germany into a leadership position in the global renewable energy economy.

SOURCE: Published on 31 Mar 2005 by Solar Today Magazine. Archived on 31 Mar 2005.

For more articles about NATURE EXPLORATION

Leaves of 3 Leave them be
Think Global - Act Local!
Certify Your Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Last Child in the Woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder
Favorite Quotes about Nature
Bio-Diesel solving energy shortages

	NOTE to my readers: We provide resource links to help you protect and nurture your natural resources. Tip: when you contact suppliers in person, online, by phone or email...please ask them about alternatives that are sustainable, green, or habitat-healthy. By asking, we advocate for better protection of our natural resources. Thank you, Carolyn.

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed;
if in terms of ten years, plant trees;
if in terms of 100 years, teach the people."
- Confucius