Case studies in electric power utility management

This series from Der Spiegel International is utterly fascinating. 

German Energy Agency Chief: 'We'll Need Conventional Power Plants until 2050'

SPIEGEL ONLINE - November 15, 2012 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. more... [ Forum ]

Quagmire in the Sahara: Desertec's Promise of Solar Power for Europe Fades

SPIEGEL ONLINE - November 13, 2012 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. By Joel Stonington more... [ Forum ]

The High Price of Clean Energy: Tax Breaks and Subsidies for Industry Divide Germans

SPIEGEL ONLINE - October 26, 2012 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. By Jörg Schindler and Gerald Traufetter more...

Rising Energy Prices: Germans Grow Wary of Switch to Renewables

SPIEGEL ONLINE - October 15, 2012 Germany's switch to renewable energies is driving up electricity bills across the country, with a green technology surcharge set to rise by nearly 50 percent next year. With frustration over the high price tag, it promises to become a key issue in next year's election campaign. more...

 

Merkel's Blackout: German Energy Plan Plagued by Lack of Progress

SPIEGEL ONLINE - October 10, 2012 Germany plans to abandon nuclear power by 2022, but its government hasn't been doing enough to ensure that the project succeeds. Needed infrastructure and technology is lacking, and coordination is a mess. Meanwhile, weary consumers are paying more for electricity, and the supply is in jeopardy. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Forum ]

Flexible Fossils: A New Role for Coal in German Energy Revolution

SPIEGEL ONLINE - September 07, 2012 One of the biggest challenges of Germany's ambitious energy revolution is the fact that renewables such as wind and solar are subject to large fluctuations in output. Coal has long been considered their dirty alternative, but a new generation of power plants may herald a glowing future for the fossil fuel. By Stefan Schultz more... [ Forum ]

Find more here: Spiegel.de/.../Energy