Germany is recognized as the largest economic power, as well as a role model in the European Union. In 2000, the country was set to be the leader in wind and solar power. When Angela Merkel became chancellor in 2005, renewable energy accounted for 10% of electricity use in Germany. Since then, that number soared to 40%. The next official target is to lift the use of renewables to 65% of the energy mix by 2030.
It’s worth mentioning that Angela Merkel is a trained scientist and former environmental minister who earned the title “Climate Chancellor.” Since becoming chancellor, Germany has committed to closing their nuclear plants by 2022. While the UK and France are not giving up their nuclear power plants, Germany has become paranoid since the accident in Fukushima, accelerating their desire to shut down its plants.
Germany is investing one billion Euros in renewable energy and has vowed to become the pivotal leader in combating climate change.