Last year, Germany produced 161 billion kWh from renewable sources, or about 27% of electricity consumption. This year, thanks to rapid growth in solar and wind power, the country is on track to produce 193 billion kWh from renewable sources, or about 33% of total electricity consumption. That's grow of about 22% in just a year!
Though this is a preliminary estimate, on 31 October 2015 wind energy had already supplied 47% more electricity (63 billion kWh) that during the same time period in 2014.
Though the late autumn weather tends to be unpredictable, Germany's solar sector has already provided as much electricity during that 10 month period (35 billion kWh) as the whole of 2014.
Energy independence has real geopolitical implications for Germany vis-a-vis Russia.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday November 10 2015, @01:34PM
Not exactly understanding what is trollish about this comment.
Only meant to talk about the aspects of what renewables create as a by-product cost.
That is simply healthy debate and critical thinking. No attack, no subterfuge.
Also, it created some good responses.
But hey, maybe that is why the comments on here are dropping due to the hostile environment it is becoming.
Here is a trollish comment...This site is starting to stink.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday November 10 2015, @02:18PM
I think he was being a bit hyperbolic about it hence the troll. But the questions are at least sound. At EOL of these devices what is the end game? More than likely those blades are fiberglass with a resin coating. My small googling around found the only recycling use is to make cement out of it.
(Score: 2) by SanityCheck on Tuesday November 10 2015, @03:01PM
I would think they might replace blades and motor (not sure if that's what it's called) plus some electronics without removing the tower part, as it would be the most economical option I wager. Even if there are significant advances and the standard set up of wind turbine is not optimal, havign already spent the capital cost of setting it up it would still retain competitive advantage over new isntallation.
(Score: 2) by soylentsandor on Tuesday November 10 2015, @05:29PM
I would think they might replace blades and motor (not sure if that's what it's called) plus some electronics without removing the tower part, as it would be the most economical option I wager.
I wonder. The trend thus far has been for ever taller towers and ever longer blades. Obviously, this has to end at some point but until that time, replacing the entire thing altogether might be the most economical option. Also, there is a quite significant market for second-hand wind turbines that may help to ease the decision for replacement of the whole thing.
(Score: 3, Informative) by DeathMonkey on Tuesday November 10 2015, @04:50PM
Not exactly understanding what is trollish about this comment.
It's pure FUD, that's what. Really, really, poorly researched FUD at that.