Fukushima and Energiewende: Impact on structure of power generation.

The article presents the statistical analysis of the impact of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster on the German program of Energy Transition. It argues that the spectacular growth of renewable energy production in recent years was triggered not only by the increasing subsidies but also by the decision to phase out the nuclear power plants. However, the results seem to be far from what was desired by the architects of the Energy Transition. Except for 2014, the share of high-emission combustible fossils in the energy mix was growing. Meanwhile, the role of the two “transition fuels” (natural gas and nuclear energy) significantly decreased. The article also shows how the media, news, and communication in the modern world can seriously impact the economic policy of a state. It concludes that the decision made by the German government was largely irrational (except for electoral considerations) and it resulted in significant financial consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]