This research project, commissioned by the German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), comprised a comprehensive analysis of existing scenario studies, which examine a (nearly) complete electricity supply from renewable energy sources with high shares of electricity imports to Germany by 2050. Our analysis aimed at evaluating the feasibility of such scenarios from a technical and environmental point of view, particularly regarding the import of large quantities of renewable electricity. The project consisted of the following three stages:

1. Identification and selection of relevant existing energy scenarios

2. Analysis and comparison of selected scenarios (overview, methods, key assumptions and results)

3. Analysis of their feasibility from a technical and ecological point of view.

With this research project, the Wuppertal Institute supported the German Federal Environment Agency in developing a scenario called "International-Large technologies". Such a scenario aims to illustrate a development path in which the German and European electricity demand will be met mainly by large power plants dispersed throughout Europe and interconnected by an intercontinental electricity grid. In this scenario a significant share of the German electricity demand will be met by imported electricity by 2050.