Germany rebukes Trump over energy comments in Berlin

During a recent presidential debate, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Germany's energy policy, claiming the country regretted its transition to renewable energy. He suggested that Germany had reverted to building traditional energy plants after initially pursuing renewable sources. In response, Germany's foreign ministry issued a strong rebuttal, emphasizing that over 50% of its energy comes from renewables and that it is actively shutting down coal and nuclear plants, with a commitment to phase out coal by 2038. Germany has faced significant energy challenges, particularly following the onset of the war in Ukraine, which forced the country to rely on coal-fired power plants longer than anticipated. This reliance was a temporary measure to address the energy crisis caused by reduced access to Russian oil and gas. Despite initial increases in coal usage, the country has since seen a decline in coal-fired power generation to its lowest levels in decades. The German government has also faced criticism for its decision to close nuclear reactors after the Fukushima disaster in 2011, a move that some argued would lead to increased fossil fuel consumption. Although no new coal plants are being constructed, the government has adjusted its timeline for phasing out coal to ensure energy security. In a controversial decision, Berlin approved plans to build four new natural gas plants to support its renewable energy infrastructure. This decision has drawn criticism from environmental activists, highlighting the ongoing tension between energy needs and environmental commitments in Germany's energy transition.