A significant portion of the populace holds the view that Germany is overdependant on renewable energy sources. - A significant proportion of the populace believes that Germany is excessively prioritizing renewable energy sources
A Forsa survey, commissioned by stern and RTL Deutschland, reveals a divided landscape when it comes to opinions on Germany's reliance on renewable energy. The survey, conducted on August 7 and 8 via telephone, polled 1003 respondents.
The general German public shows strong support for renewable energy expansion. According to a 2017 national survey, 95% favour further development of renewables, including solar, wind, and biofuels, and close to two-thirds are comfortable with such plants near their homes—support growing if they have direct experience with these installations nearby.
Younger Germans and Green Party supporters are among the most supportive of renewable energy and the Energiewende (energy transition). While specific survey percentages from recent years are not provided, general trends and the political platform of the Green Party imply that these groups are among the most ardent advocates. The Green Party has historically championed renewables and environmental protection, attracting strong backing from younger demographics interested in climate issues.
However, the picture is not as rosy for all. East Germans have historically had mixed attitudes toward renewables due to factors like economic concerns and energy infrastructure legacies. The data from the results does not explicitly address East vs. West Germany opinion splits on renewables. Citizen ownership of renewable capacity (about half of capacity) suggests broad-based engagement, which may include East Germans who live in “100% renewable energy regions.”
On the other end of the spectrum, AfD (Alternative for Germany) supporters tend to be more skeptical of the energy transition and renewables. While the survey does not explicitly detail AfD supporters' opinions, the party generally criticizes the Energiewende for economic disruption and energy costs, echoing broader skepticism in some conservative and right-wing circles toward climate policies and renewable reliance.
The survey results also show that 30% of citizens feel that Germany's reliance on renewable energy is just right, while 32% believe Germany is relying too heavily on renewable energy. Conversely, 34% of citizens think Germany is not doing enough for renewable energy. Interestingly, those who think Germany is not doing enough in the renewable energy sector are more likely to be supporters of the Green Party, under 30 years old, or East Germans.
Recent political developments include Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressing tentative support for a nuclear comeback as a transitional measure amid energy security concerns, but Germany’s future energy policy remains firmly committed to renewables and green hydrogen long-term.
In summary, the survey reveals a divided public opinion on Germany's reliance on renewable energy. While the general public shows strong support, younger Germans, Green Party supporters, and East Germans are more likely to believe that Germany is not doing enough, while AfD supporters are more likely to be skeptical or critical. The country continues facing political and investment challenges but maintains widespread citizen-level backing for the renewable energy transition.
- The community policy on supporting renewable energy expansion, as reflected in the general German public's opinion, aligns strongly with the 2017 national survey findings, which revealed 95% favoritism towards further development of renewables.
- Despite this support, the employment policy regarding renewable energy faces challenges, with AfD supporters, largely skeptical of the energy transition and renewables, echoing broader skepticism in some circles towards climate policies and renewable reliance.
- In the realm of finance and politics, the future of Germany's energy policy remains committed to renewables and green hydrogen long-term, a stance that is also echoed in the environmental-science sector as a crucial measure for addressing climate issues.
