Germany's CO2 rises as Solar use rises

[elektra]

In the oddest of stories, it is now reported that increasing the use of Solar and Wind Energy in Germany has resulted in a record amount of CO2 being produced.

The more a country relies on an energy source that is extremely variable such as the wind and the sun, the more all countries will have to use fossil fuels to offset the difference, on a minute to minute basis, not hourly.

Think of being outside and feeling that wind change sometimes minute to minute or the sun being blocked by clouds passing moderately fast. It is simply false to describe hourly changes when speaking of the sun or wind as a source to convert into electricity.

So to offset the nature of Wind and Solar Power, which is expensive, Germany has chosen to use the cheapest alternative, Coal.

Germany's CO2 targets in doubt as emissions rise in 2013

By John McGarrity

Germany’s emissions rose in 2013 as new coal-fired capacity offset the impact of new wind and solar, further underlining the paradox of the country’s energy policy and difficulty in meeting future carbon reduction targets.

Last year Germany emitted 951 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, up 1.2% than 2012, while CO2 from energy rose 1.5% according to German government calculations obtained by news agency Deutsche Presse Agentur.

Commentators say lignite’s increased share of Germany’s energy mix, which rose to 25% last year, means the country will fail to meet domestic carbon reduction targets and tarnish the progress made towards low-carbon energy

- See more at: Germany's CO2 targets in doubt as emissions rise in 2013

I would never of guessed that Green Energy could possibly ever lead to a direct increase in CO2 emissions.

 

[ScienceRocks]

If they gave two shits about reducing co2...They should of built more NUCLEAR!

The lefts hatred of nuclear is fucking them the other way.

 

[Beelzebub]

I agree nuclear should be used and developed more.

Probably with Thorium reactors, but they are not friendly for making nuclear bombs, so governments are generally against them.

 

[Old Rocks]

If they gave two shits about reducing co2...They should of built more NUCLEAR!

The lefts hatred of nuclear is fucking them the other way.

Well, I have advocated more nuclear, properly sited. However, that is very expensive electricity, and will increase the cost. Also, a point source, so the amount lost in the grid will be greater.

There is no one solution to our energy needs. It will take a mix of sustainable non-polluting energy, wind, solar, and geothermal, with nuclear. The percentages of the mix depending on the locality. And we should definately be moving toward the gen 5 reactors, and start 'burning' the present nuclear wastes.

 

[mamooth]

In the oddest of stories, it is now reported that increasing the use of Solar and Wind Energy in Germany has resulted in a record amount of CO2 being produced.

Of course, the only one reporting such a strange interpretation is you. The article itself said or implied no such thing.

The article just said emissions rose. Why? Because Germany is gradually shutting down nuke plants. The use of renewable energy isn't rising fast enough to compensate, so more coal gets used. The use of renewable energy obviously decreased the CO2 output.

 

[ScienceRocks]

Stupid to shut down nuke plants...Sorry.