The German „Energiewende“ from a

worker‘s perspective

Lisa Bauch, Industriegewerkschaft Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt

“The bridge to the future, a climate solution from below” February 27th, 2014, Oslo

What is the ‚Energiewende‘?

Germany is only average when it comes to ecology.

-For the installation of renewable energies Germany is average.-Efficiency effects are slowing down since 2010.-GHG Emissions are decreasing slowlier and even started to rise again 2013.-Compared to the 28 member states Germany is only on level 10 when it comes to ecology.

So, why is the Energiewende worth talking about?

Source: Interview with WifO. Frankfurter Rundschau, 7.1.2013

What is the ‚Energiewende‘?

A highly industry–based economy tries to radically change its energy supply system

by switching from fossil fuels including nuclear power to renewable energiesby reducing the power consumption

This is to be realized by the Energiewende

a package of different policies, regulations, and laws a clear timeline with targets and concrete actions

93 % of the citizen support this.

What is the ‚Energiewende‘?Package of policies, regulations, and laws

Klima-Allianz, 2012

Emission reduction2020: -40%2030: -55%2050: -85-95%

Less energy use

Increase renewables

Programme for the retrofitting of buildings

Electricity

Mobiltiy

Industry

Research and education

…

Heating

What is the ‚Energiewende‘?Change of technology

Phaseout of fossile energies

Phase out of nuclear power until 2022

Phaseout of coal power until 2050 (?)

Subsitution by renewables

25 % in electricity consumption in 2013

12% in overall energy consumption

The EEG – The renewable Energy Act

Need for reducing energy consumption!

What is the ‚Energiewende‘?Eco-taxes

From

employment against environmental protection

towards

Employment through environmental protection

The workers‘ perspectiveDriver for socio-ecological modernisation

… in which industry and craft sector are main actors (or have to become).

…from which they benefit enourmously.

The workers‘ perspectiveEnergiewende is seen as a driver

for a socio-ecological modernisation …

A workers‘ perspectiveEnergiewende is seen as a driver

for a socio-ecological modernisation …

Turnover with renewable energies

2004: 12 bill. Euro

2012: 50 bill. Euro

…which sets free large investments and generates turnover

Investment in renewable energies

2004: 8,8 bill. Euro

2012: 19,5 bill Euro

A workers‘ perspectiveEnergiewende is seen as a driver

for a socio-ecological modernisation …

…which creates employment

2012: 377.800 jobs

A worker‘s perspectiveEnergiewende is seen as a driver

for a socio-ecological modernisation …

…which contributes to a different ownership structure in the energy system

A worker‘s perspectiveWhat do unions do to support the Energiewende

Alliance for Work and Environment Retrofit programme for buildings, 1998-…

A worker‘s perspectiveAlliance for Work and Environment

f.ex. „Alliance for Work and Environment“, 1998-…Retrofit programme for buildings

2006 – 2010: 900.000 credits with a volume of 36 bill. Euro75 bill. Euro of Investments.2,4 mio. retrofit appartements on energy efficient standards4,7 t CO2 – emmission reduction /year.340.000 work places maintained and created/year

A worker‘s perspectiveWhat do unions do to support the Energiewende

Energy Efficiency by worker‘s participation

Green and decent jobs

New training profiles for green jobs

Dialogue with civil society

A worker‘s perspective

GridsStorage KnowhowInvestment Acceptance

Five bottlenecks

Energy transition is possible

Clear framework for investments

We have to do it together ! Participation, inclusion, sharing burdens and profits

Think European (European Marshall Plan)

EnergiewendeLessons learned

Thank you for your attention !