Nuclear Power Plants

[we vs us]

Another data point, re: nuclear power: apparently in reaction to the Fukushima meltdown, Germany has decided to go completely nuke free by 2022. 

"The decision looks like this," Roettgen said. "Seven older nuclear power plants ... and the nuclear plant Kruemmel will not go back online ... a second group of six nuclear reactors will go offline at the end of 2021 at the latest, and ... the three most modern, newest nuclear plants will go offline in 2022 at the latest."

To make up for the loss of nuclear energy, the German government will begin to switch to renewable energy and increase investments in energy research, the government website says.

"But we will not be able to do without conventional power plants, above all cutting-edge gas power plants for a long time," said a statement published last week. "New fruits of new research should contribute to making the energy transition more efficient and easier on the ecology."

Interesting strategy.  Reliance on fossil fuels (primarily natural gas) in the short- and medium- term, and then total reliance on renewables from 2022 onwards.  Even if the goal sprawls by a couple of years -- hell, even five years -- I'd say that's a pretty aggressive timeline to go completely green.  It also relies on tech that hasn't been fully developed yet.

Ballsy stuff, really.  I wish they'd included a cost estimate in the article.  I'd like to know what they're paying for that sort of transition.

[Red Arrow]

...and then total reliance on renewables from 2022 onwards.  

I only read that they will be nuke free by 2022, not totally renewable by 2022. 

[we vs us]

I only read that they will be nuke free by 2022, not totally renewable by 2022. 

You're right, I think I was jumbling my facts with some of the different articles I've read (this one, for instance, says they will replace their nuclear segment with renewables, not ALL of their energy.)

That lessens the awesome quotient, but not completely.  For one of the world's largest economies, it's still a major achievement.

[Red Arrow]

That lessens the awesome quotient, but not completely.  For one of the world's largest economies, it's still a major achievement goal.

They haven't done it yet.  I agree, a good goal.

A major obstacle to wind and solar is matching power demand to power availability.  A method of temporary storage will be required for these to be as reliable as fossil fueled plants are now.  I hope that is receiving as much or more attention as building windmills.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Not sure where that report started, but there is no such thing in Germany as "begin to switch to renewable energy".  It is NOT a "goal".  It IS a work in progress!  Nearing completion - they are MUCH closer to the goal than the distance already covered.

Because they have already been at it for quite a few years.  And they are already nearing 25% for combined solar and wind power. With targets of 15% each (30% total) for 2015.  And they are ahead of schedule for that plan.  As has been discussed here before, by the way.

Considering all the things the German economy has been through in the last 20 years or so, you gotta admire what they got going on!  Absorbing the East German economy.  Staying as strong as they are across the board.  And workers getting 6 weeks of vacation to boot!

That one thing (vacation) puts the lie to everything in that bill of goods we have been sold about not being able to function as an economy, let alone be competitive, if there is decent vacation for all here.

[dbacks fan]

Germany to be "Trailblazer" in renewable energy........

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13597627


I was working from home this morning when I heard this on BBC America.

[heironymouspasparagus]

They are dramatically expanding their goals.  BHAGS galore!!  Big Hairy Audacious Goals!  The only kind worth having!!

They are doing the "land a man on the moon in this decade" thing. 

Why aren't we??



By the way;
BHAGs;  I like Microsoft's - "A computer on every desk and in every home."  Too bad they set their sights so low...how about two or three on every desk and in every home.  Well they only missed it by a factor of 3 or 4.  Still....

[Red Arrow]

 And workers getting 6 weeks of vacation to boot!

I need to send this to my engineer friend in Aalen.  He would be surprised.  He has his own business and the last I heard he would love to get 6 weeks vacation a year.

[Red Arrow]

With targets of 15% each (30% total) for 2015.  And they are ahead of schedule for that plan.  As has been discussed here before, by the way.

30% total renewable.  Nice but nowhere near totally renewable.  If they aren't there yet, it is still a goal.  Quite possibly one they will achieve but not done yet.

[dbacks fan]

Here is a better article from der spiegel including comment from members of the politcal parties as well. It sounds as if this is not something new but something they have been working for some time.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,765681,00.html

[heironymouspasparagus]

Their stated goal for over a decade HAS been 30%.  They are almost there now.  It is great that they are going to expand.

HUGE goal!!  BHAG!!!

[Red Arrow]

They are almost there now.  

Almost: Horseshoes, hand grenades, and atomic bombs.

Still, getting close is quite an accomplishment.

[heironymouspasparagus]

5% is quibbling.  And there are 3 more years to accomplish.  But they are saying it will be end of 2012, if nothing changes current pace.  More than just quite an accomplishment - it shows the results possible when one is focused, has a plan and works it impeccably.  Kind of like what we did in the 60's and 70's with the space race - that whole "going to the moon" thing!  But we lost our way and our will to do the big things.  Turned to the dark side of redistribution of wealth (from everyone to the rich).  Decided that celebration of the rich was more important than actual accomplishments.

Why aren't we doing the same thing??

Guess I would have to ask Reagan why he took the solar cells off the White House, huh?  And worked so hard to destroy that whole industry in this country!  Another lost economic opportunity!  

[Red Arrow]

Government mandated physics.  Reminds me of the cars of the 70s.  What a POS they were.  They met the government mandated regulations though.  Caused a bit of acid rain in the process.  Used gobs of fuel.  Often had bad drivability regarding engine response.

Research is good.  A bit of a push on industry is good.  Forcing a product into production ahead of its time often has unintended consequences.

[heironymouspasparagus]

And every single one of those "70's" regulations led to things like;

Electronic ignition.
Platinum spark plugs.
Extended oil change intervals.
Increased mileage.
Increased durability.
Dual overhead cams - huge horsepower in tiny cubes.
Better paint.
Better metal (galvanized.)

What we lost was some of the regulation about fuel mileage and damage control; like the 5 mph bumpers.  Backsliding.

Not to mention the increased economic activity, new technology, and stimulus to the economy far beyond the cost of any regulation. 

Too bad we have lost our will for that kind of thing;  progress and development.