Germany in transition

After having outlined the importance fossil energies had in the past in Germany, particularly coal (bituminous coal for which the cost now reaches very high level, and lignite which is still competitive), and that fossil energy resources are getting short (except lignite), this article recalls the development of renewable energies in this country: from 1,5 pc in 1990 to 11,7 pc in 2013. It also comments the recent transition objectives defined by the German government which comprise reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, an increase of the share of renewable energies in final energy consumption (18 pc in 2030, 50 pc in 2050). As far as renewable electricity is concerned, objectives for 2030 could be reached in 2022 due to the rapid growth of wind, biogas and notably photovoltaic energy. The article outlines that the issue of energy efficiency has not yet been fully addressed