Is the German energy system haunted? The term "ghost electricity" keeps appearing in the media. Critics of the energy transition use this term to describe electricity from wind and photovoltaic plants that cannot be generated because the grid is overloaded or there is no demand for the electricity. As part of the feed-in management system, the plants are then regulated and the operators receive compensation. With the rapid expansion of renewable energy, the problem is growing. Expanding power grids and storage options, as well as making power consumption more flexible, could put an end to the scare.
We spoke to Robert Busch, Managing Director of the German Renewable Energy Federation (bne), about the status quo and what needs to be done now.
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The smarter E podcast is all about the current trends and developments in a renewable, decentralized and digital energy industry. Our moderators Tobias Bücklein and Zackes Brustik welcome and interview personalities who shape our industry and drive developments forward. A new episode is published every Thursday.
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Since 2002, the German Association for the New Energy Economy (bne) has stood for market, competition and innovation in the energy industry like no other association. Its members develop groundbreaking business models for electricity, heat and mobility.
Robert Busch has led the bne since 2005. The lawyer began his career as in-house counsel at ares Energie-direkt GmbH, worked for the "Grid Access Task Force" at the German Federal Ministry of Economics and was managing director of statt-werk GmbH.