Publications (FIS)

Nothing to regret

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

authored by: 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.
Organisation(s): Institute of Environmental Planning
External Organisation(s): CUTEC Clausthal Environmental Technology Research Centre
Type: Article
Journal: International Journal of Energy Research
Volume: 45
Pages: 745-758
No. of pages: 14
ISSN: 0363-907X
Publication date: 22.12.2020
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Nuclear Energy and Engineering, Fuel Technology, Energy Engineering and Power Technology
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1002/er.5870 (Access: Open)
https://doi.org/10.1002/er.7002 (Access: Open)

BibTeX

@article{4e9a7db6404d49e6ae375f75d96d5842,
title = "Nothing to regret: Reconciling renewable energies with human wellbeing and nature in the German Energy Transition",
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.",
keywords = "energy transition, GIS modeling, nature protection, renewable energy potentials, target scenario, wind power",
author = "Julia Wiehe and Julia Thiele and Anna Walter and Ali Hashemifarzad and {Zum Hingst}, Jens and {von Haaren}, Christina",
year = "2020",
month = dec,
day = "22",
doi = "10.1002/er.5870",
language = "English",
volume = "45",
pages = "745--758",
journal = "International Journal of Energy Research",
issn = "0363-907X",
publisher = "John Wiley and Sons Ltd",
number = "1",
}