Green energy problems

Germany has invested hugely in green energy in the hope that wind or solar energy will eventually be produced efficiently enough to replace nuclear or fossil-based fuels like oil and gas.

So far, the they have little to show for their efforts.  Solar energy companies have gone under, and now wind farms are producing bad news.

photo:  www.spiegel.de

Riffgat is Germany's first wind farm in the North Sea.  Der Spiegel calls it "a masterpiece of German engineering," and says that its 492-foot wind turbines "work perfectly".  

But consumer prices for electricity are going up and the "market is collapsing."  Those turbines are turning at this time, but they're being fueled by onshore fossil fuel!  Chancellor Angela Merkel has changed her mind about showing up for the dedication.

"Instead of being a showcase project, the Riffgat offshore wind farm has become a symbol of the government's failed offshore wind policy."

A lot of money was spent (which ultimately comes from taxpayers) for such a disappointing outcome.