Germany is the world export champion, assumes the debts of its neighbouring countries, and its chancellor is the most powerful woman in the world. Only the Energiewende - the energy turnaround - simply is not really taking off in the very country where the term was coined that by now is used around the world. Ever since Angela Merkel rang in the Energiewende, shifting into turbo mode and turning off the nuclear power plants, sheer chaos has been the order of the day: first the Renewable Energy Sources Act was to be overturned and then remain in place after all. Offshore wind parks start operation with much ado and are then shut down. Power grids are planned but not built. All of a sudden no one knows in which direction things are headed anymore. Instead, lobbyists from all different segments are dominating the debate, and the politicians trim their sails to every wind - but in the end it is the people who are to foot the bill for this mess. Claudia Kemfert explains to citizens, politicians, and managers which forces are contending with each other in the current disputes about the future energy policy. She lists the standard arguments and elucidates the interests and facts behind them. They are the same around the globe, even though they appear in different guises. After all, Germany is setting the course - not only in the energy turnaround but also in the battle for electricity.

PROF. CLAUDIA KEMFERT has headed the Department of Energy, Transport and Environment of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) since April 2004 and is Professor of Energy Economics and Sustainability at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin. She is an authority on business and the economy specializing in the fields of energy research and climate protection. Claudia Kemfert was an advisor to EU President José Manuel Barroso and works on the advisory boards of various research institutions as well as federal and state ministries. She is a top researcher who has won several awards and an expert sought after by politicians and the media. Most recently she was distinguished with the Urania Medal and the B.A.U.M. Environmental Award in the category Science.