Conspicuous Destruction: Energy Transition in Germany

Henrik Egbert ()

Bulgarian Economic Papers from Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski - Bulgaria // Center for Economic Theories and Policies at Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski

Abstract: This paper examines whether conspicuous destruction—typically observed in small groups or individuals—can emerge as a behavioral pattern in large, democratic societies. Using Germany’s energy transition as a case study, it explores how politically legitimized decisions lead to the dismantling and devaluation of existing energy infrastructure, including nuclear power plants and fossil fuel systems. This visible devaluation and destruction serve as political and social signals of Germany’s commitment to a green economy. The paper identifies three interrelated motives driving this process: the pursuit of status, the demonstration of power, and the display of economic wealth. These motives, commonly observed in small groups, help explain similar behavioral patterns in national policymaking within the energy sector.

Keywords: conspicuous destruction; energy transition; wealth; climate status; Germany (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: P17 Q42 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 15 pages
Date: 2025-08, Revised 2025-08
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ene
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https://uni-sofia.bg/index.php/eng/content/downloa ... file/BEP-2025-03.pdf First version, 2025 (application/pdf)

Related works:
Working Paper: Conspicuous Destruction: Energy Transition in Germany (2025)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sko:wpaper:bep-2025-03

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