Greenhouse gas mitigation in Germany: technical feasibility versus political constraints
Model runs for the analysis of the German energy system for a reference development suggest that total emissions can be reduced by 14% relative to 1990 emission levels until the year 2020, even if no explicit mitigation measures are employed. This significant emission reduction is mainly due to the low energy conversion efficiency and the drastic economic shift in the region of former East Germany. The most critical issues for the future development of greenhouse gas emissions are the possible role of nuclear energy and the required use of domestic coal, both of which are mainly determined by political decisions.