Debunking FIT Myths
As noted elsewhere, there are a number of myths about Feed-in Tariffs (FITs), many proffered by the opponents of renewable energy–and some argued by environmentalists influenced neoliberal economic theory. Many talented authors have tackled these myths in explaining why FITs work so well and why FITs are more equitable than other renewable energy policies.
Renewables International: Is Germany Switching to Coal?
By
Craig Morris
No, but you wouldn’t know that from the press. Craig Morris explains what really is going on with German’s coal plants. . .
David Jacobs: The Evolution of Feed-in Tariffs in Germany, Spain and France
By
The author traces the evolution of feed-in tariffs – the most successful and most widely used support mechanism for renewable electricity – in Germany, Spain and France. He reveals increasing cross-national policy similarities in feed-in tariff design – despite the failure of harmonizing instruments at the European level. He explains these increasing policy similarities by applying policy convergence theory. . .
Jérôme Guillet: The Economist’s sad hack job about German energy policy
By
Jérôme Guillet
A thorough evisceration of a poorly researched, poorly written, sneering critique of Germany’s energiewende by someone who actually knows what he’s talking about–a must read. . .
Myths and Facts: The German Switch from Nuclear to Renewables
By
Craig Morris
Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear power after Fukushima has been painted by some international observers as “environmental vandalism” and a “panicked overreaction.” Critics argue that the shutdown of nuclear power would lead to higher energy costs, rising greenhouse gas emissions and a shortage of power supply. But today, a year after the German government forced the shutdown of eight nuclear reactors, renewable energies provide more than a fifth of electricity demand in Germany and have surpassed production of nuclear power for the first time. . .
Feed-in tariffs for photovoltaics: What Lomborg gets wrong
By
Craig Morris
In an article published at Slate.com, Danish political scientist Bjørn Lomborg chimes in on how Germany is allegedly abandoning solar. He may not describe the situation in Germany well, but his attempt to do so certainly proves that criticism of solar still cannot do without a hefty portion of legerdemain – and a few outright inaccurate statements. . .
Böll Foundation Takes on Right-Wing Think Tank: Get the Facts Right: Germany has seen a Boom in Green Jobs-
By
Arne Jungjohann
The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) has recently published a new report: The Myth of Green Jobs – The European Experience. It claims that clean energy technologies increase energy prices and don’t lead to a net job growth in Europe. Given the German experience, Arne Jungjohann argues, AEI’s report has several flaws. . .
