Despite massive investments in wind and solar power plants, China's energy transition could be seriously jeopardized due to the slow expansion of its power grids. The primary issue lies in the insufficient development of transmission lines, particularly the lack of long-distance power lines connecting remote renewable energy generation centers to urban and industrial areas.
By Nico Beckert
Forced patriotism: Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) must now commit to party loyalty in a new code of conduct. German research institutions and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) will maintain their cooperation for now, viewing the code as an explicit formulation of pre-existing requirements.
By Redaktion Table
In its interim report on the proclaimed Digital Decade 2020 to 2030, the EU Commission identifies a massive need for action in Germany. This is also due to Germany itself – in one area in particular, the Federal Republic is far behind the target.
By Falk Steiner
Germany alienates its traditional allies of the High Ambition Coalition: Chancellor Scholz refused to agree to the demand for a comprehensive fossil fuel phase-out at the UN summit. The reason is a dispute in the German government coalition with the Greens and the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) about CCS and technology openness.
By Bernhard Pötter
The energy transition in the United States risks to fail due to the slow expansion of power grids. Even in China, large solar and wind power plants could remain without a grid connection for a long time. Power lines are turning into a bottleneck for the energy transition.
By Nico Beckert
Robert Fico has been Prime Minister of his country three times. In 2018, popular anger over the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak swept him from office. But Fico faces a comeback in the parliamentary elections in a few days.
By Redaktion Table
A new Merics study shows: In the last five years, China has increasingly aspired to co-determine discourse in other countries – including in Europe. The researchers call for heightened vigilance and propose a number of remedies.
By
The German government has officially informed Beijing that its state-owned development bank KfW will no longer grant loans to China as of next year, not even for climate action projects. The reason: China is a large economy and has enough money.
By Frank Sieren
A new Merics study shows: In the last five years, China has increasingly aspired to co-determine discourse in other countries – including in Europe. The researchers call for heightened vigilance and propose a number of remedies.
By
For the first time, the EU Commission has received reports from the major digital companies on their handling of targeted misinformation. The Commission is particularly concerned about Russian propaganda and upcoming, important elections. But the next important step has yet to be taken.
By Falk Steiner
