Abstract
For various reasons, the world is well advised to change its energy generation systems from fossil and nuclear to renewable energy resources. Hence, a couple of countries all over the world are starting or are fostering reforms of their national energy policy aiming at more clean energy and sustainability. The economic powerhouse Germany stands in the forefront of a fundamental transition or turnaround of a national energy system through claiming and pursuing the “Energiewende”. An important question is, however, whether such a highly developed and industrialized country with its huge demand for energy will be able to successfully rebuild its energy system. If Germany succeeds, it will be a role model for other governments and economies—if it fails, others may profit from analyzing and learning from it, anyhow. This article does not aim at assessing the German “Energiewende” regarding its efficiency and likelihood to succeed. Rather, we attempt to inspire readers to make up their own mind based on a variety of information regarding the historical background, current challenges, and possible success factors of Germany's energy transition.