With the decision to pull out of nuclear power in 2011, Germany initiated the energy transition (Energiewende) and the transformation of the energy system. Electricity and heat are now to be gradually converted to renewable sources. The overriding principle is and remains a secure power supply at all times, as stipulated in Section 1 of the Energy Industry Act: According to this act, the general public must be provided with a safe, affordable, consumer-friendly, efficient, and environmentally sustainable supply of electricity and gas which relies more and more on renewable energy.
The energy transition poses special challenges to Baden-Württemberg. As a strong industrial region, there is a particularly high demand for energy for one thing, and for another thing, over the last decade, the Baden-Württemberg power supply has consisted of up to 50 percent nuclear power.
Baden-Württemberg has set an ambitious goals for CO2 reduction in its climate protection law of 90 percent less greenhouse gas emissions until 2050 (compared to 1990). These can only be achieved with increased energy efficiency and a perceptible savings of energy as well as a high share of renewable energy.
In order to achieve these goals, Baden-Württemberg is politically active in many fields both at state and federal levels.
