http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:21:34 +0200 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:21:34 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-announces-preliminary-tariffs-in-solar-trade-war-with-china-a-903511.html#ref=rss The European Commission on Tuesday announced it was imposing tariffs on Chinese solar panels in response to "price dumping." China has previously warned it would retaliate. The escalating trade war can only have one loser: Germany. Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:18:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-announces-preliminary-tariffs-in-solar-trade-war-with-china-a-903511.html The European Commission on Tuesday announced it was imposing tariffs on Chinese solar panels in response to "price dumping." China has previously warned it would retaliate. The escalating trade war can only have one loser: Germany.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-to-impose-tariffs-on-chinese-solar-panels-a-898889.html#ref=rss The European Commission has approved tariffs on Chinese-made solar panels in response to complaints of price-dumping. However, analysts say the move will do little more than give European companies a short-lived boost, and that the levy will mainly just increase prices and decrease use of solar power. Wed, 08 May 2013 18:43:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-to-impose-tariffs-on-chinese-solar-panels-a-898889.html The European Commission has approved tariffs on Chinese-made solar panels in response to complaints of price-dumping. However, analysts say the move will do little more than give European companies a short-lived boost, and that the levy will mainly just increase prices and decrease use of solar power.]]> 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-to-exempt-1-550-firms-from-power-price-surcharge-a-874598.html#ref=rss Germany plans to exempt 1,550 large firms from a power price surcharge that covers part of the cost of switching to renewable energy. Critics say the list of exemptions is spurious and unfair to households and small businesses. It risks undermining faith in the government's switch to clean power. Mon, 24 Dec 2012 14:38:19 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-to-exempt-1-550-firms-from-power-price-surcharge-a-874598.html 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/europe/interview-with-desertec-co-founder-friedrich-fuehr-a-867088.html#ref=rss Desertec, the ambitious plan to supply Europe with vast amounts of solar power from North Africa, has lost its shine. Friedrich Führ, co-founder of the Desertec Foundation, spoke with SPIEGEL ONLINE about the project's missteps thus far, his disappointment in European politicians and why it is vital that the venture continues. Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:29:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-desertec-co-founder-friedrich-fuehr-a-867088.html Desertec, the ambitious plan to supply Europe with vast amounts of solar power from North Africa, has lost its shine. Friedrich Führ, co-founder of the Desertec Foundation, spoke with SPIEGEL ONLINE about the project's missteps thus far, his disappointment in European politicians and why it is vital that the venture continues.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/problems-prompt-germany-to-rethink-energy-revolution-a-852815.html#ref=rss Germany's energy revolution is the government's only major project -- but the problems keep piling up. The pace of grid expansion is sluggish, and electricity costs for consumers are rising. The environment minister wants to fundamentally alter the way green energy is subsidized, but will it mean putting the brakes on the entire project? Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:24:34 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/problems-prompt-germany-to-rethink-energy-revolution-a-852815.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-addresses-problems-with-renewable-energy-subsidy-system-a-852549.html#ref=rss The share of renewable energies in Germany's power mix has shot up so high that the electricity grid and the subsidy framework has been unable to keep up. Now, the government wants to slow down the process. German commentators say that the current chaos endangers the entire project. Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:55:04 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-addresses-problems-with-renewable-energy-subsidy-system-a-852549.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/instability-in-power-grid-comes-at-high-cost-for-german-industry-a-850419.html#ref=rss Sudden fluctuations in Germany's power grid are causing major damage to a number of industrial companies. While many of them have responded by getting their own power generators and regulators to help minimize the risks, they warn that companies might be forced to leave if the government doesn't deal with the issues fast. Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:00:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/instability-in-power-grid-comes-at-high-cost-for-german-industry-a-850419.html Sudden fluctuations in Germany's power grid are causing major damage to a number of industrial companies. While many of them have responded by getting their own power generators and regulators to help minimize the risks, they warn that companies might be forced to leave if the government doesn't deal with the issues fast.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/trade-war-brews-between-eu-and-china-over-solar-panels-a-846622.html#ref=rss This week, a group of European solar panel firms asked the European Commission to levy punitive tariffs on their Chinese rivals, who they accuse of selling products at unfairly low prices. Chinese manufacturers are outraged, warning on Thursday that a trade war could be brewing. Thu, 26 Jul 2012 17:44:14 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/trade-war-brews-between-eu-and-china-over-solar-panels-a-846622.html This week, a group of European solar panel firms asked the European Commission to levy punitive tariffs on their Chinese rivals, who they accuse of selling products at unfairly low prices. Chinese manufacturers are outraged, warning on Thursday that a trade war could be brewing. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-solar-subsidies-to-remain-high-with-consumers-paying-the-price-a-842595.html#ref=rss Solar subsidies cost German consumers billions of dollars a year and are widely regarded as inefficient. Even environmentalists are concerned that Berlin's focus on solar comes at the detriment of other renewables. But the solar industry has a powerful lobby, and politicians have proven powerless to resist. Wed, 04 Jul 2012 17:50:41 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-solar-subsidies-to-remain-high-with-consumers-paying-the-price-a-842595.html Solar subsidies cost German consumers billions of dollars a year and are widely regarded as inefficient. Even environmentalists are concerned that Berlin's focus on solar comes at the detriment of other renewables. But the solar industry has a powerful lobby, and politicians have proven powerless to resist.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-environment-minister-discusses-fresh-start-in-energy-revolution-a-837012.html#ref=rss After a year of little progress in Germany's so-called energy revolution, Chancellor Merkel recently reshuffled her cabinet to give it some fresh impetus. In a SPIEGEL interview, new Environment Minister Peter Altmaier discusses the need to inject reality into rosy assumptions and defuse anger sparked by the turnaround's costs. Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:37:30 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-environment-minister-discusses-fresh-start-in-energy-revolution-a-837012.html After a year of little progress in Germany's so-called energy revolution, Chancellor Merkel recently reshuffled her cabinet to give it some fresh impetus. In a SPIEGEL interview, new Environment Minister Peter Altmaier discusses the need to inject reality into rosy assumptions and defuse anger sparked by the turnaround's costs.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/german-and-chinese-solar-firms-fight-for-survival-a-835367.html#ref=rss Germany was proud of its supposedly future-proof solar industry and subsidized it to the hilt. But then the Chinese got in on the act and started making much cheaper solar cells. Now, following a glut in production, companies in both countries are fighting for survival. Tue, 29 May 2012 16:01:52 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/german-and-chinese-solar-firms-fight-for-survival-a-835367.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-s-energy-revolution-stalls-without-decisiveness-and-incentives-a-834565.html#ref=rss Germany's energy revolution has hardly begun, but it's already running out of steam. There is a lack of political decisiveness and companies are complaining of a dearth of incentives to invest billions in necessary infrastructure. Progress or no progress, taxpayers continue footing the bill. Wed, 23 May 2012 15:53:16 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-s-energy-revolution-stalls-without-decisiveness-and-incentives-a-834565.html Germany's energy revolution has hardly begun, but it's already running out of steam. There is a lack of political decisiveness and companies are complaining of a dearth of incentives to invest billions in necessary infrastructure. Progress or no progress, taxpayers continue footing the bill.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/eastern-germany-hit-hard-by-the-solar-industry-crisis-a-830188.html#ref=rss The global solar industry has entered a brutal phase of consolidation and nowhere are the effects as dramatic as in eastern Germany. Several companies have already declared bankruptcy, leaving towns and cities in the region struggling with job losses and tax revenue shortfalls. The future bodes ill. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:26:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/eastern-germany-hit-hard-by-the-solar-industry-crisis-a-830188.html The global solar industry has entered a brutal phase of consolidation and nowhere are the effects as dramatic as in eastern Germany. Several companies have already declared bankruptcy, leaving towns and cities in the region struggling with job losses and tax revenue shortfalls. The future bodes ill.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/q-cells-bankruptcy-heralds-end-of-german-solar-cell-industry-a-825490.html#ref=rss The German solar industry is at a turning point. The bankruptcy of Q-Cells this week shows that the days of German solar cell production are numbered. Asian competitors took the lead years ago, and German government subsidies were part of the problem. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:57:28 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/q-cells-bankruptcy-heralds-end-of-german-solar-cell-industry-a-825490.html The German solar industry is at a turning point. The bankruptcy of Q-Cells this week shows that the days of German solar cell production are numbered. Asian competitors took the lead years ago, and German government subsidies were part of the problem. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/companies-prepare-for-post-oil-future-a-825171.html#ref=rss Drivers may hate rising gas prices, but some companies are delighted as they watch the oil price soar. Firms like BMW and Airbus which are leaders in fuel efficiency actually benefit from expensive oil. They are just two of a growing number of companies that are already developing technologies for a post-fossil-fuel world. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:59:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/companies-prepare-for-post-oil-future-a-825171.html Drivers may hate rising gas prices, but some companies are delighted as they watch the oil price soar. Firms like BMW and Airbus which are leaders in fuel efficiency actually benefit from expensive oil. They are just two of a growing number of companies that are already developing technologies for a post-fossil-fuel world. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-capital-error-germany-created-own-threat-with-chinese-solar-aid-a-817781.html#ref=rss Germany long aimed to be a front runner in the solar energy industry, but waning subsidies and rising competition from China have clouded its outlook. To add insult to injury, the Chinese boom has been generously supported by German financial aid. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:51:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-capital-error-germany-created-own-threat-with-chinese-solar-aid-a-817781.html Germany long aimed to be a front runner in the solar energy industry, but waning subsidies and rising competition from China have clouded its outlook. To add insult to injury, the Chinese boom has been generously supported by German financial aid.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/inflated-incentive-environment-minister-retreats-on-solar-subsidies-a-811530.html#ref=rss German Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen has said he wants to cut subsidies on installing solar panels sooner than planned as the number of people taking advantage of the incentives continues to soar. As do costs to electricity customers. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:48:34 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/inflated-incentive-environment-minister-retreats-on-solar-subsidies-a-811530.html German Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen has said he wants to cut subsidies on installing solar panels sooner than planned as the number of people taking advantage of the incentives continues to soar. As do costs to electricity customers.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-solar-energy-row-is-an-undignified-spectacle-a-810370.html#ref=rss The future of solar subsidies has pitted members of Chancellor Merkel's cabinet against each other. But instead of politicizing the issue, German commentators on Friday urge the country's leaders to focus on consumers and what best serves Germany's energy needs. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:06:28 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-solar-energy-row-is-an-undignified-spectacle-a-810370.html The future of solar subsidies has pitted members of Chancellor Merkel's cabinet against each other. But instead of politicizing the issue, German commentators on Friday urge the country's leaders to focus on consumers and what best serves Germany's energy needs.]]>