logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2022
1h 14m

Germany: How to Fail An Energy Transitio...

DR. CHRIS KEEFER
About this episode

Noah Rettberg returns for an update on the tragedy of German energy and energy policy. As politicians continue to mislead the public and force a nuclear phaseout amid a full-blown energy crisis, the country has become a lesson in what not to do when it comes to clean energy. We discuss:

  • The frantic posturing of Minister Robert Habeck, Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, as he attempts to navigate an energy crisis while justifying the closure of the country's last nuclear plants.
  • The technicalities of restarting a nuclear plant, or keeping it idling for later use.
  • Impending deindustrialization caused by high energy prices.
  • Eroding trust of government in Germany and the suffering of German people and businesses.
  • The absurdity of the Canada-Germany hydrogen agreement.
  • Why Germany's 100% renewable delusion is making energy dirtier and more expensive.

Follow Noah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoahRettberg

Up next
Jul 8
Sun, Silicon, and Xinjiang
This week, we talk solar power—a long overdue topic on Decouple. In the past, guests have often been critical of the value of renewables on grids without extensive storage, and of the quality of jobs that politicians often claim when justifying renewables programs. Today, however ... Show More
1h 11m
Jul 2
Small Reactor, Big Price
We have an unusual episode today. One, because of its length (1 hour 40 minutes), and two, because I’m the guest. Joined by Aidan Morrison as acting host, I talk about a topic of intense interest to me: the Darlington SMR project in Ontario, Canada. I’ve been critical of this SMR ... Show More
1h 40m
Jun 25
Is Wright's Law Wrong?
This week, we return to nuclear power. Specifically, nuclear construction and “learning curves.” It is intuitive that doing something over and over makes you better at it. In industry, this means driving down costs and timelines and boosting efficiencies. In many industries, the ... Show More
1h 4m
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
What’s Next for America’s Energy Policy?
President Donald Trump’s administration is promising an energy policy overhaul that would fundamentally reshape America's climate and energy policies. Trump and Republican leaders have pledged to pull back from many of the Biden administration’s climate actions, including parts o ... Show More
52m 44s
May 18
Nuclear power’s global revival
Dozens of new nuclear power projects are planned across the world, amid efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels. But why build more reactors when renewable sources of generating electricity, like wind and solar might be cheaper?We explore why countries are turning - or returnin ... Show More
17m 28s
Dec 2024
Does Germany need to reinvent itself?
When Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired his finance minister, Christian Lindner last month, Germany’s ‘traffic light’ government collapsed, an uneasy coalition between parties with differing perspectives and strained relations, the Social Democrats, the Greens and the Free Democrats.At ... Show More
23 m
May 6
Is the clean energy economy doomed?
So far, President Trump’s “drill, baby, drill,” agenda has proven to be a sharp turn from Biden-era climate initiatives, including the landmark spending bill the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). And thanks to President Trump’s attempts to claw back control over IRA funds, as well a ... Show More
24m 8s
Apr 2022
It's Time to Expand Nuclear Power
The calls for nuclear are growing louder. The Biden administration recently announced that it was putting $6 billion toward saving distressed nuclear power plants from closure, considering them carbon-free alternative to fossil fuels. Elon Musk doubled down, not only calling for ... Show More
53m 15s
Feb 2025
Germany's Economy Is Broken. There's No Plan B.
For decades, Germany has relied on manufacturing and exports – a model that made it the world’s third largest economy. But that model is breaking down, and the country’s leaders are offering few alternatives in the upcoming election. WSJ’s Tom Fairless and Bertrand Benoit discuss ... Show More
20 m
Jul 2024
A Radical Reboot of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power, once the great hope for a clean way to meet the world’s energy needs, fell out of favor decades ago.Brad Plumer, who covers technology and policy efforts to address global warming for The New York Times, explains how one company with a radical idea is now working t ... Show More
25m 24s
May 29
551. An Honest Take on the Looming Energy Crisis | Scott Tinker
Is our planet doomed? Probably not, it turns out. Dr. Jordan B. Peterson joins geologist Scott Tinker to dismantle the myth of energy scarcity, exposing the flawed narratives that demonize coal, oil, and natural gas. Together, they reject the false binary of renewables versus fos ... Show More
1h 25m
Apr 2024
Throwback/Encore Presentation: Dan Reicher’s Rationally Optimistic Take on Progress and Potential in the Fight Against Climate Change
One of our most popular episodes of 2023 is back, with this encore presentation, just in time for Earth Day!  Dan Reicher’s interest in and advocacy for environmental protection and clean energy began when he was a child and has continued throughout his life.  In addition to teac ... Show More
53m 39s
Dec 2024
Germany’s Economy Is Facing a Slow-Moving Disaster
Germany’s economy is stagnating; households have less disposable income, and businesses report having less faith in the future. Once the growth engine of Europe, the country has gradually been losing its competitive edge. Now, economic anxieties have fuelled a political crisis th ... Show More
16m 33s