News

10 May 2013

EE-Regionen looks at the social and ecological aspect of the German transition to renewable energy

From 2009 – 2013 the EE-Regionen (Renewable Energy Regions) project examined the transition to renewable energy (RE) in Germany, exploring it not only from a technical point of view, but also asking how it can be achieved in a manner that contributes to social justice and ecological compatibility in communities. In analysing how social-ecological RE self-sufficiency can become a reality, the project enumerated challenges and defined ways to overcome them. The project’s findings were presented at a conference held on 5 March 2013 in Berlin (Germany). Videos from the conference are available online. A guide has also been produced outlining the project outcomes.

“Social justice” not only relates to the importance of spreading the cost of the energy transformation fairly, and in distributing benefits such as increased employment, additional tax revenue, etc. across the locality, but also relates to issues such as protecting the Earth for future generations (inter-generational justice). From a technical stand point, the project focused on the creation of regional electricity and heat production from bio energy.

The broad acceptance of changes by all stakeholders, as well as the involvement of key actors with the knowledge, vision and skills to realise the energy transition, was found to be of crucial importance. Transparency on behalf of local governments, including regular communication with citizens, is also required. The ecological aspect of the energy transition can be enhanced through strategic land use, preventing over use of soil, and through the use of waste biomass and other residues whenever possible. Adapting the transmission and distribution grids is a necessity.

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