nuclear-news

German Car Manufacturers Generating Own Power As Nuclear Phase-Out Continues

BMW currently gets approximately 28 percent of its energy from renewable power, with the ultimate goal of 100 percent

Germany has been one of the world leaders in renewable energy in both solar and wind power, somewhat ironic considering the country’s reputation for a cool, overcast climate for much of the year. But the push for energy self-sufficiency for Germany’s auto industry has been given an added urgency since the announced phase-out of nuclear power by chancellor Angela Merkel following the March 2011 nuclear reactor failure in Japan following the devastating tsunami and earthquake.

According to Bloomberg, Germany has some of the highest energy costs in Europe, largely due to renewable energy surcharges. This has prompted many car builders in Germany  to build their own power plants to better control energy costs as utility-provided power gets increasingly expensive.

In the companies’ bids to become energy self-sufficient, the auto industry is looking at both renewable and conventional sources for power. BMW is adding four wind turbine towers near its Leipzig plant which builds the X1 crossover and is scheduled to build the i3 electric car. The windmills are expected to provide a fourth of the plant’s total power.

Daimler and Volkswagen are both planning on bringing gas-powered plants online within the next few years to provide more of their own power. Total power consumption of Volkswagen’s combined German manufacturing facilities surpasses that of the entire island nation of Jamaica. VW already produces 63 percent of its own power.

BMW currently gets approximately 28 percent of its energy from renewable power, with the ultimate goal of 100 percent. However, the inconsistent nature of renewables, and an inadequate energy storage infrastructure is prompting companies to invest in gas-powered plants

http://www.bmwautostore.com/german-car-manufacturers-generating-own-power-as-nuclear-phase-out-continues/

June 22, 2013 - Posted by arclight2011part2 | Uncategorized