Table.Briefings

Feature

Floating wind turbines: technology with great potential

Wind energy is a decisive factor in the expansion of renewable energies in Europe. But onshore land consumption is a problem, and off many coasts, the sea is too deep for profitable offshore wind farms. New technology is expected to provide the solution: Floating Offshore.

By Timo Landenberger

Green hydrogen from Inner Mongolia

China is the world's largest producer of hydrogen. But green hydrogen is still rare, and European companies are spearheading it. That is now set to change. With sun, wind and a lot of money, Beijing wants to turn Inner Mongolia into a hub for green hydrogen.

By Frank Sieren

Nils Schmid

"Merkel's China policy is outdated"

Nils Schmid is concerned: China poses a serious challenge, he says, because it is taking place in an area in which Germany and the West have hitherto considered themselves unrivaled. Angela Merkel's China policy will not get us very far, the SPD foreign policy expert warns. The behavior of the German economy is also not a credit to the country. It is high time for a new German China policy. This interview was conducted by Michael Radunski. Here can find more interviews with top representatives of German politics ahead of the 2021 federal elections.

By Michael Radunski

IMG_0286

'When it comes to data protection, the genie is out of the bottle'

Matthias Schroeder, a Beijing-born German lawyer, talks about Chinese lawmakers who feel above their own laws, on different senses of justice between Germans and Chinese, and on the relationship between state and society. In his opinion, the new data protection law will bring about a decisive change for China. Frank Sieren spoke with Schroeder.

By Frank Sieren

Rules on algorithms exceed EU plans

Beijing's new draft law to regulate algorithms of apps and websites has it all. It offers users clever ways to protect themselves from manipulation. This includes, for example, recommendations for products, videos, or content. Among other things, providers must disclose what data they have already collected. However, experts see two crucial weak points.

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Human genes for the super potato

A team of Chinese and American researchers has increased the yield of numerous plants. As a side effect, they are even less prone to droughts. This was achieved through the introduction of a human gene into the genetic material of plants. China is keeping the billion-euro market for genetically engineered agricultural products closed as long as its own industry is not internationally competitive. But new developments could bring about a shift.

By Frank Sieren

"We knock on the Great Wall in vain".

A wanton decoupling of the EU from China could harm both sides – that is the conclusion of a discussion in the series "Global China Conversations" of IfW Kiel. But the main actors of new and old protectionism are by no means the US and the EU. China puts political goals before the greatest possible gain in prosperity.

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E-fuels: engine or brake of decarbonization?

The EU Commission intends to issue a legal act that will define the framework for the production of renewable fuels before the end of this year. The role of e-fuels and hydrogen in transport is also a topic in the Bundestag election campaign.

By Lukas Knigge

Supply crisis: solutions as rare as chips

The chip shortage will continue into next year – as not only automotive suppliers expect. Neither politics nor industry have any quick solutions at hand. However, the coming weeks are likely to set the course for the future.

By Falk Steiner