Germany is the main energy transit country in Europe. It is connected to all of its neighbouring countries via transnational networks. It even shares a common electricity market with its western neighbours. Furthermore, the European internal energy market establishes common rules for all member states. A European perspective on Germany’s Energiewende is thus imperative.
The European energy market has many advantages for Germany’s Energiewende. Compared to a purely national market, a networked power system beyond national boundaries not only saves money. European integration also improves system reliability and helps balance the fluctuating supply of electricity from wind and sun.