The German energy transition: taking stock, looking ahead

The German energy transition, the so-called 'Energiewende', is one of the world's most ambitious programmes to de-carbonise the entire energy system of a country. After some years of experience we are in the position to take stock and describe the achievements but also the consequences for suppliers and customers in Germany and its impact across Europe. The energy transition is gradually becoming a global phenomenon and as such we are also highlighting some important lessons learned that can be helpful for policy makers in other countries when they decide on the market designs and regulatory framework that underpin the transition in their countries. However, we are also looking ahead, describing the next steps but also the challenges that the German energy transition is facing. (authors)