German greenhouse emissions declined in 2011, even with less nuclear power. [View all]

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http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/uba-info-presse-e/2012/pe12-017_less_greenhouse_gases_with_less_nuclear_energy.htm

Press Release 017/2012

Less greenhouse gases with less nuclear energy

Overall emissions in Germany drop by some 2 per cent over previous year

Greenhouse gas emissions levels dropped in Germany in 2011 once again, as current calculations by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) prove. Emissions of carbon dioxide and methane in particular continued to decline. The greater use of renewable energies has had a positive effect on the emissions development trend. In contrast, the level of fluorinated gases, or so-called F-gases, remained largely constant, with an increase in nitrous oxide, in part due to the greater use of fertilizers. Some 917 million tonnes of greenhouse gases were emitted to the atmosphere in 2011. “The decline in emissions shows that Germany is serious about its commitments. The goals of the Kyoto Protocol can be reached even if nuclear energy phase-out is accelerated, a fact which has often been cast into doubt“, explains UBA President Jochen Flasbarth. Additional measures are necessary, however, to reach the climate goals. For one, the number of CO2 allowances should be reduced by toughening Europe’s climate protection target and moving forward on remediating the energy supply in building stock. To clarify the figures: the current data reflect absolute emission volumes. The Federal Environment Agency mandate does not allow for making statistical adjustments to account for factors such as the influence of temperature or the state of the economy.

Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) decreased in 2011 by 26.5 per cent compared to the 1990 index year. This again exceeds the Kyoto reduction target of 21 per cent. Despite the upward economic trend and the decommissioning of eight nuclear power plants, GHG emissions declined by 2 per cent compared to 2010, making it equal to levels in the 2009 crisis year. Says UBA President Flasbarth, “Emissions were in fact reduced due to relatively mild weather, but the growing share of green electricity resulted in lower emissions as did fewer exports of electricity. In consideration of the change in energy policy and the low proportion of power from nuclear power plants, these emissions figures are a measure of success. In order to achieve our 40-percent mitigation target, we must not let up on our efforts.” These efforts include further measures to increase energy efficiency and the remediation of energy supply in building stock.

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Via http://www.nirs.org/