IRAN INTERESTED IN GERMAN NEW ENERGY

The official Iranian news agency boosting German renewables: What does that say about Iran’s oil industry and its nuclear ambitions?

German renewable energy industry upbeat on booming prospects
Saeid Najar Nobari, April 10, 2007 (Islamic Republic News Agency)

WHO
The German renewable energy industry.

WHAT
Renewable Energy Fair shows growth trend in wind power, hydro power, solar energy, bio energy and geothermal energy. Germany is pushing for continued growth through 2020 both nationally and across the European Union.

WHEN
Growth has been over the last 7 years, especially in 2005 and 2006 and the government is aiming to grow renewables in the foreseeable future.

WHERE
Germany and throughout the EU.

WHY
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become less dependent on imported fuel. Expected growth: 17%. Expected new jobs: 15,000. Expected monetary input: 32 billion euros. Renewables account for 7.7% of energy across all sectors in 2006, 200 billion kWh , up from 175.5 billion kWh in 2005. Goal: 35% of its electricity, 25% of its heat, 15% of its fuel from renewables by 2020.
German innovation leads international technological development in wind energy, water power, solar energy, geothermics and biomass. Exports in the area are up half a billion euros to six billion. The sector is expected to produce 15 billion euros by 2012.

QUOTES
German Environment Minister Sigmund Gabriel: "With our EU Presidency in the first half of this year, Germany has the opportunity to lay the foundations for a modern and sustainable European energy supply…The key to understanding the significance of renewable energies lies in an integrated approach of climate protection and energy policy…"