Climate notes: Electricity Exports in the Light of Energy Policy Change

The moratorium on German power plants announced a year ago has significantly changed power supply and the development of electricity trading. This article looks at the developments in electricity trading over the last year, seasonal developments in electricity trading and the effects of the moratorium. The influence of wind power output on Germany’s electricity exports in 2011 is also analysed. The international exchange of electricity was subject to large fluctuations over the course of the year. On the one hand, the decommissioning of several power plants and the decision to change energy policy cut back German electricity exports and increased imports; while the usual seasonal fluctuations occurred on the other.