Nothing to regret

Reconciling renewable energies with human wellbeing and nature in the German Energy Transition

verfasst von

Julia Wiehe, Julia Thiele, Anna Walter, Ali Hashemifarzad, Jens Zum Hingst, Christina von Haaren

Abstract

Although the transition to energy supply through renewables (RE) is, in general, politically accepted in Germany, its progress is slowed by conflicting interests, primarily nature conservation and protesting residents. This study aims to find ways to solve these conflicts in Germany. To this end, the researchers developed a geospatial model that calculates RE potentials and vulnerabilities of nature and humans. Both data input and some evaluation standards are variables in the model. The outcomes are compared to an estimated total energy demand in 2050. Two ambitious scenarios (“no regret” and “compromise”) show that a maximum of 4% of the German territory is available to meet the energy demand. This demand can be met using PV in urban areas and wind in rural landscapes without significantly impairing nature's and people's wellbeing. Solar parks and other potentials not considered in the model are treated as a reserve, which can be included if the energy targets are not met under the assumed scenario conditions. Such reserves also provide flexibility for co-determination in public participation.

Organisationseinheit(en)

Institut für Umweltplanung

Externe Organisation(en)

Clausthaler Umwelttechnik Forschungszentrum (CUTEC)

Typ

Artikel

Journal

International Journal of Energy Research

Band

45

Seiten

745-758

Anzahl der Seiten

14

ISSN

0363-907X

Publikationsdatum

22.12.2020

Publikationsstatus

Veröffentlicht

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Erneuerbare Energien, Nachhaltigkeit und Umwelt, Kernenergie und Kernkraftwerkstechnik, Feuerungstechnik, Energieanlagenbau und Kraftwerkstechnik

Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung

SDG 7 – Erschwingliche und saubere Energie

Elektronische Version(en)

https://doi.org/10.1002/er.5870 (Zugang: Offen)
https://doi.org/10.1002/er.7002 (Zugang: Offen)