http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Wed, 22 May 2013 00:15:46 +0200 Wed, 22 May 2013 00:15:46 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-faces-tough-decisions-as-it-dismantles-nuclear-plants-a-899063.html#ref=rss The dismantling of Germany's nuclear power plants will be one of the greatest tasks of the century as the country moves to phase out atomic energy. It will take at least until 2080 to complete the job. But what happens if energy utility companies who own the facilities go bust before the work is done? Fri, 10 May 2013 12:16:36 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-faces-tough-decisions-as-it-dismantles-nuclear-plants-a-899063.html The dismantling of Germany's nuclear power plants will be one of the greatest tasks of the century as the country moves to phase out atomic energy. It will take at least until 2080 to complete the job. But what happens if energy utility companies who own the facilities go bust before the work is done?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-backing-away-from-leadership-role-on-climate-a-898621.html#ref=rss German Chancellor Angela Merkel demanded an international climate deal by 2015 on Monday. Yet at home, she has declined to push for badly needed fixes to Europe's ailing carbon cap-and-trade program. She is putting off the toughest decisions until after fall elections. Tue, 07 May 2013 17:59:13 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-backing-away-from-leadership-role-on-climate-a-898621.html German Chancellor Angela Merkel demanded an international climate deal by 2015 on Monday. Yet at home, she has declined to push for badly needed fixes to Europe's ailing carbon cap-and-trade program. She is putting off the toughest decisions until after fall elections.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/amid-more-delays-siemens-blames-government-agencies-and-suppliers-a-897798.html#ref=rss Due to a series of glitches, German electronics giant Siemens has once again been unable to deliver trains on time. Instead of assuming responsibility for the problems, management is trying to pin the blame on suppliers and government agencies. Fri, 03 May 2013 17:10:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/amid-more-delays-siemens-blames-government-agencies-and-suppliers-a-897798.html Due to a series of glitches, German electronics giant Siemens has once again been unable to deliver trains on time. Instead of assuming responsibility for the problems, management is trying to pin the blame on suppliers and government agencies.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/competitors-and-local-opposition-threatens-desertec-solar-plan-a-892332.html#ref=rss The ambitious Desertec plan to supply Europe with solar power from the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East seems to have stalled. It could now be facing even greater problems as competitors arise and local opposition mounts. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:20:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/competitors-and-local-opposition-threatens-desertec-solar-plan-a-892332.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-cancels-trio-of-climate-programs-amid-funding-shortfall-a-889483.html#ref=rss As prices for carbon emissions continue to languish, Berlin is planning to cancel some key subsidy programs aimed at increasing reliance on renewable energies. Germany and other European countries seem uninterested in fixing the problem. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:33:18 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-cancels-trio-of-climate-programs-amid-funding-shortfall-a-889483.html As prices for carbon emissions continue to languish, Berlin is planning to cancel some key subsidy programs aimed at increasing reliance on renewable energies. Germany and other European countries seem uninterested in fixing the problem.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-renewable-energy-policy-takes-toll-on-nature-conservation-a-888094.html#ref=rss The German government is carrying out a rapid expansion of renewable energies like wind, solar and biogas, yet the process is taking a toll on nature conservation. The issue is causing a rift in the environmental movement, pitting "green energy" supporters against ecologists. Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:21:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-renewable-energy-policy-takes-toll-on-nature-conservation-a-888094.html The German government is carrying out a rapid expansion of renewable energies like wind, solar and biogas, yet the process is taking a toll on nature conservation. The issue is causing a rift in the environmental movement, pitting "green energy" supporters against ecologists.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/brazilian-adventure-a-german-utility-s-multibillion-risks-abroad-a-888073.html#ref=rss Looking for new growth markets, executives at German electrical utility company E.on saw what they thought could be a golden opportunity in Brazil. Now their local partner is threatened with major financial problems and the joint venture MPX may face billions in potential losses. Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:50:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/brazilian-adventure-a-german-utility-s-multibillion-risks-abroad-a-888073.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/an-unlikely-effort-to-buy-the-berlin-power-grid-a-886426.html#ref=rss Even as Germany turns to renewables, the power supply in Berlin comes mostly from coal. Two recent university graduates are trying to change that -- by buying the grid. It is an ambitious attempt to fix a system that may not be broken. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:23:15 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/an-unlikely-effort-to-buy-the-berlin-power-grid-a-886426.html Even as Germany turns to renewables, the power supply in Berlin comes mostly from coal. Two recent university graduates are trying to change that -- by buying the grid. It is an ambitious attempt to fix a system that may not be broken.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-coalition-agrees-on-regulations-for-fracking-industry-a-885613.html#ref=rss Chancellor Angela Merkel's government on Monday took an important step toward establishing regulations for fracking, the controversial method of exploiting unconventional gas deposits. A natural gas boom similar to the one in the US seems unlikely. Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:14:29 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-coalition-agrees-on-regulations-for-fracking-industry-a-885613.html Chancellor Angela Merkel's government on Monday took an important step toward establishing regulations for fracking, the controversial method of exploiting unconventional gas deposits. A natural gas boom similar to the one in the US seems unlikely.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-government-stance-on-fracking-becomes-campaign-issue-a-883482.html#ref=rss Germans are wary of fracking, but that hasn't stopped Berlin from moving ahead to create legal guidelines for the controversial natural gas extraction method. The opposition is up in arms and the issue could dog Chancellor Merkel as she campaigns for re-election. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:24:55 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-government-stance-on-fracking-becomes-campaign-issue-a-883482.html Germans are wary of fracking, but that hasn't stopped Berlin from moving ahead to create legal guidelines for the controversial natural gas extraction method. The opposition is up in arms and the issue could dog Chancellor Merkel as she campaigns for re-election.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/era-of-fast-growth-ends-for-wind-energy-in-europe-a-882357.html#ref=rss The debt crisis is finally catching up with wind energy, once a fast-growing sector in Europe. After more than a decade of double-digit growth, austerity, rapidly changing energy policies and skittish investors are putting a damper on the industry. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:38:48 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/era-of-fast-growth-ends-for-wind-energy-in-europe-a-882357.html The debt crisis is finally catching up with wind energy, once a fast-growing sector in Europe. After more than a decade of double-digit growth, austerity, rapidly changing energy policies and skittish investors are putting a damper on the industry. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/gazprom-gas-giant-is-running-into-trouble-a-881024.html#ref=rss Energy giant Gazprom is no longer the powerhouse it once was. The company is losing its tight grip on the European market and its rivals are gathering steam. The world's largest producer of natural gas might even lose its export monopoly. Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:59:07 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/gazprom-gas-giant-is-running-into-trouble-a-881024.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/new-gas-extraction-methods-alter-global-balance-of-power-a-880546.html#ref=rss The United States is sitting on massive natural gas and oil reserves that have the potential to shift the geopolitical balance in its favor. Worries are increasing in Russia and the Arab states of waning influence and falling market prices. Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:56:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/new-gas-extraction-methods-alter-global-balance-of-power-a-880546.html The United States is sitting on massive natural gas and oil reserves that have the potential to shift the geopolitical balance in its favor. Worries are increasing in Russia and the Arab states of waning influence and falling market prices.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/shell-mostly-cleared-by-dutch-court-in-nigeria-oil-spills-a-880568.html#ref=rss A closely watched environmental lawsuit against oil giant Shell has ended in mixed results. A court in The Hague cleared the company of wrongdoing in oil spills in the Niger Delta, but ordered its subsidiary to compensate one farmer for revenue lost because of the damage. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:36:07 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/shell-mostly-cleared-by-dutch-court-in-nigeria-oil-spills-a-880568.html A closely watched environmental lawsuit against oil giant Shell has ended in mixed results. A court in The Hague cleared the company of wrongdoing in oil spills in the Niger Delta, but ordered its subsidiary to compensate one farmer for revenue lost because of the damage.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/member-of-merkel-cabinet-calls-for-nationalization-of-german-power-grid-a-877576.html#ref=rss Germany urgently needs to expand and update its power grid to meet its goal of phasing out nuclear energy and going green, but development appears to have short circuited. A member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet is calling for a radical change: the partial nationalization of the grid. Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:59:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/member-of-merkel-cabinet-calls-for-nationalization-of-german-power-grid-a-877576.html Germany urgently needs to expand and update its power grid to meet its goal of phasing out nuclear energy and going green, but development appears to have short circuited. A member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet is calling for a radical change: the partial nationalization of the grid. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/failed-co2-targets-going-through-the-motions-at-un-climate-conference-a-869294.html#ref=rss The United Nations Climate Change Conference beginning in Doha this week is turning into a farce. While negotiators are sticking to the goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, even climatologists admit that the project has failed. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Mon, 26 Nov 2012 18:01:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/failed-co2-targets-going-through-the-motions-at-un-climate-conference-a-869294.html The United Nations Climate Change Conference beginning in Doha this week is turning into a farce. While negotiators are sticking to the goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, even climatologists admit that the project has failed. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/merkel-climate-advisor-blasts-politicians-for-doing-too-little-a-868024.html#ref=rss Politicians need to get their act together on climate change, says Chancellor Angela Merkel's leading climate advisor Hans Joachim Schellnhuber just days before the global warming conference in Qatar. The World Bank agrees, releasing a report on Monday highlighting the serious consequences that await should global temperatures continue rising unchecked. Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:17:38 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/merkel-climate-advisor-blasts-politicians-for-doing-too-little-a-868024.html Politicians need to get their act together on climate change, says Chancellor Angela Merkel's leading climate advisor Hans Joachim Schellnhuber just days before the global warming conference in Qatar. The World Bank agrees, releasing a report on Monday highlighting the serious consequences that await should global temperatures continue rising unchecked.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-energy-expert-argues-against-subsidies-for-solar-power-a-866996.html#ref=rss Stephan Kohler, the head of the German Energy Agency, says the country must act smarter and more realistically in its transition to renewable energy. The "feel-good" subsidies for locally produced wind and solar power have had unintended consequences, he says, and the environmental movement is often part of the problem. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:10:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-energy-expert-argues-against-subsidies-for-solar-power-a-866996.html Stephan Kohler, the head of the German Energy Agency, says the country must act smarter and more realistically in its transition to renewable energy. The "feel-good" subsidies for locally produced wind and solar power have had unintended consequences, he says, and the environmental movement is often part of the problem.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-desertec-solar-energy-project-has-run-into-trouble-a-867077.html#ref=rss As recently as three years ago, many thought that it was only a matter of time before solar thermal plants in North Africa supplied a significant portion of Europe's energy needs. But Desertec has hit a road block. Industrial backers are jumping ship, political will is tepid and a key pilot project has suddenly stalled. Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:29:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-desertec-solar-energy-project-has-run-into-trouble-a-867077.html As recently as three years ago, many thought that it was only a matter of time before solar thermal plants in North Africa supplied a significant portion of Europe's energy needs. But Desertec has hit a road block. Industrial backers are jumping ship, political will is tepid and a key pilot project has suddenly stalled.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/medium-sized-german-companies-criticize-energy-tax-breaks-for-industry-a-863430.html#ref=rss Major industry is being spared of the costs relating to Germany's expensive shift from nuclear to green energies. The burden is being placed on small and medium-sized business as well as German consumers, who pay the second highest price for electricity in Europe. Resentment is starting to grow. Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:50:29 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/medium-sized-german-companies-criticize-energy-tax-breaks-for-industry-a-863430.html Major industry is being spared of the costs relating to Germany's expensive shift from nuclear to green energies. The burden is being placed on small and medium-sized business as well as German consumers, who pay the second highest price for electricity in Europe. Resentment is starting to grow. ]]>