German Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen told reporters that the government is considering another subsidy cut that will be in effect on March 1st, 2012.
The subsidy cut is regarded as part of revision of renewable energy regulation which will also in part pertain to the new legislation of abolishment of nuclear energy.
Germany shows support for solar energy generation systems mainly through subsidy for rooftop installations to make sure electricity generated at lowest cost possible. But actually consumers pay the ultimate price for these renewable energy subsidies.
On the other hand, the development of solar energy in Asia is booming. Xiaoyu Zhao, Vice President of Asian Development Bank, at the opening ceremony of Asia Solar Energy Forum Third Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand stressed the prominent need for raising the amount of solar generated energy use to accommodate the region’s strong economic growth as well as urgent need for reduction of carbon emissions. He pointed out that Asia pacific has to develop a roadmap for development of new low carbon economies what will realize 5% of power generated by solar technology by 2013.
He also pointed out that by 2050, the region will account for half of global trade and investment volume by 2050. Asian countries have to find a way to develop low carbon economies while trying to sustain the economic growth.
There is plentiful solar resource in Asia. However, solar generated power only reached 500 MW, accounting for merely 0.25% of total energy generation. The goal in the short run is to increase that portion to 3-5% by 2013 and the ultimate goal is to make cost of solar energy lower than traditional source of energy benefiting many developing countries.
Asian Development Bank plans to provide 2 billion dollars to support the development of solar energy projects in the region between 2011 and 2013.