At the beginning of last week, representatives of 40 states and organizations met in Paris for a nuclear summit. Nine heads of state and government were present to discuss how Europe could catch up with the rest of the world in terms of energy policy.

In my generation it was still said: No German solo efforts

I come from a generation that learned that the German special path leads to misfortune. That is the lesson our parents learned from the unfortunate story: no more national solo efforts. No insisting on an exceptional position because you feel superior to everyone else. But while clearing up the past is currently very fashionable, the Greens and their supporters are doing away with the outlawing of German chauvinism.

“Germany, Germany above all” is the green version: What do we care about what other people say? We are committed to phasing out nuclear power, regardless of what the world around us thinks. Or as the inimitable Britta Haßelmann put it succinctly: The energy transition is not only a success story, but also energy for freedom. This is an interesting national twist for a party that sounds a fascism alarm every time the German flag is raised.

It’s not enough to just be a moral superpower

There is the theory of American exceptionalism in political science. The idea of ​​a nation chosen by God with a special historical role goes back to the Puritans. We are experiencing the triumph of German exceptionalism. After the peace transition and the refugee transition, Germany’s final canonization is now on the horizon with the energy transition. The country is only doing so-so economically, but we are a moral superpower.

Energy consumption will only increase

I don’t think I have ever heard a more weak, sad, and in every way more shameful statement from a German Chancellor in my life. “I know what we are doing is wrong, it is misleading us, but unfortunately I lack the courage to do anything about it”: My God, how depressing is that?

The green founding generation has achieved its goals

It’s about not making Jürgen and Renate unhappy, that’s the real reason behind the refusal to acknowledge reality. I am also for respect for the life achievements of the older generation. But I think it’s a bit broad that this is ruining the country’s future.

Well, the green founding generation has its sheep in the dry. Like most people who vote green. In the election in Baden-Württemberg, the Greens took first place among civil servants and those who want to become civil servants. No party has such a sunny spot at the heart of public service. A lot still has to happen before the pension is reduced.

Solar energy is also expensive but still worth it

The standard argument goes that nuclear power is not only dangerous, but also terribly expensive. Aside from the fact that the nuclear power plants we shut down were long since paid off: wind turbines and solar panels are also not made from air and love. How dependent the so-called renewables are on subsidies can be seen in the trouble that Economics Minister Katherina Reiche got into with her plan to cut solar subsidies. There is talk of a dangerous rollback, an attack on the heart of the energy transition.

I also have a solar system on the roof. I can only recommend the purchase to anyone who has their own house. My electricity bill has halved since I bought it. However, I have never understood why the general public should subsidize my cheap electricity through grants.

Nobody would think of subsidizing televisions

That’s the strange double talk that permeates the entire energy transition. On the one hand, solar and wind power are supposedly a superior technology that beats everything else, as the green apologists say. On the other hand, nothing will happen if the state doesn’t help with lavish tax gifts.

We already know the game from the electric motor: There, too, the great lamentation immediately sets in when the funding stops. Nobody would think of subsidizing televisions or cell phones. Why not? Because in this case there is no need for financial incentives.

Gas power plants are also incredibly expensive

There was a memorable encounter with reality in the “Tagesthemen” two weeks ago because the editorial team made the mistake of inviting someone who clearly understood something about the matter. The guest was Lion Hirth, professor of energy policy at the Hertie School in Berlin, who coolly explained why government support for small solar systems makes no sense. Moderator Ingo Zamperoni asked six times whether he had understood that correctly, and six times he received the same answer: Yes, the funding was wrong.

Incidentally, gas power plants are also incredibly expensive. Since they are only intended to be connected to the grid as a backup when wind and sun are not enough, they sit unused most of the time. Has anyone actually calculated how much the energy transition has cost us so far? By 2049, over five trillion euros will be raised. If I hear one of the super experts again about how expensive nuclear power was, I’ll bite the edge of the table.

Germany is the sick man of Europe

My suggestion would be: less exceptionalism and more pragmatism. We are currently being brutally shown what it means when you are no longer considered important. In the White House’s new security doctrine, Germany ranks on the same level as Samoa.

Our economic strength has protected us so far. Major powers like the USA found many things about the German way of life somewhat strange. But they had respect for “Made in Germany”. That’s not far off either. Germany is considered the sick man of Europe, a country in decline.

If I were a member of the Green Party, I would, out of self-interest, think about how I can ensure that in the near future it won’t be said: “Look, if you rely on sun and wind, you’ll end up like the Germans.” That would be bad for Germany and for the climate.