Date of Graduation
Spring 2018
Degree
Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies
Department
Defense and Strategic Studies
Committee Chair
John Rose
Abstract
This thesis examines energy security in Europe, through a focused case study of the German energy policy known as Energiewende, or “energy transition.” The subject of energy policy and security in Europe has moved to the forefront of debate in recent years. Germany in particular has embraced a radical energy policy that aspires toward a low carbon, fully energy independent industrial economy by 2050. From an analysis of Germany’s Energiewende, this thesis seeks to extrapolate insights that can be applied to the debate of European energy dependency, environmental impacts, and their economic considerations. Understanding the implications of Germany’s energy policy, both economically and defensively, will enable EU member states to consider their own domestic energy policies as well as EU-wide climate and energy initiatives. This thesis concludes with an analysis of the impacts Germany’s energy policy is likely to yield upon fellow EU member states, as well as the future of energy security in Europe.
Keywords
Energiewende, European Union, Russian Federation, energy policy, energy security, renewable energy sources, hydrocarbons, decarbonization
Subject Categories
Arts and Humanities
Copyright
© Rachel Elizabeth Millsap
Recommended Citation
Millsap, Rachel Elizabeth, "The German Gamble: An Analysis of the Energiewende Policy and its Implications for Energy Security in Europe" (2018). MSU Graduate Theses. 3282.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3282
