What lies behind the buzzword Energy turnaround stuck
The energy transition stands for a Change process in the energy sectorwhich comprises various dimensions. The aim here is to safe, sustainable and economical energy supply. This process of change is necessary because we need to phase out environmentally harmful technologies such as coal, oil and gas in order to curb climate change.
The energy transition can be seen as a path to a sustainable future. Specifically, it is about the change from fossil to ecological and from centralized to decentralized. Renewable energies, including wind power, hydropower, solar, biomass and geothermal energy, are gradually replacing fossil fuels. As part of this process, the energy supply is being decentralized. This means that production takes place regionally, which offers potential for community energy projects, for example.
What are the necessary changes for the energy transition?
The German government has set itself the goal of 2045 climate neutral to be. On the way there, the government plan envisages covering 80% of electricity demand with renewable energies by 2030. According to the Federal Statistical Office, this share was around 55% in 2023.
There is widespread agreement in Germany that the Expansion of renewable energies accelerated must become a reality. As a survey by the Potsdam Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) revealed in July, around three quarters of Germans are in favor of the energy transition.
At the same time, the Expansion of transmission networks in close cooperation with other European countries. With the Increasing energy efficiency and economy further progress can be made. In addition, the Digitization of energy management, new Technologies and a strengthened Electrification an important role in the transport sector, among others. Overall, this broad approach makes it clear that the energy transition is not just focused on one area, but is rather a Holistic transformation process for a sustainable energy future.
How can the energy transition succeed?
A major challenge in the energy transition is the Time factor. The speed at which the energy transition is being driven forward is currently not sufficient for meeting climate targets - this is criticized by numerous environmental associations with reference to studies and expert reports. The energy transition can gain momentum by obstacles are removed: Fewer bureaucratic brakes, an end to fossil fuel subsidies and the creation of planning security can make important contributions. A Broad social acceptance strengthen the energy transition.
However, the most important lever remains the accelerated expansion of renewable energies. That is why the Energy seal of approval for green electricity and green gas the energy transition by ensuring that suppliers whose tariffs bear one of the seals invest a fixed amount per kilowatt hour of electricity or gas consumed in the expansion of renewable energies. These investments flow into energy generation plants, energy infrastructure, energy efficiency and other projects that support the energy transition.
You can find more detailed information here: https://gruenerstromlabel.de/energiewende-projekte/
Sources
Federal Government: Share of renewable energies continues to rise. Retrieved 19.10.2023
Frauenhofer Institute (2020): The German energy transition. 13 theses. Retrieved 19.10.2023
Frauenhofer Institute; DUH; Niebert, Kai (2023): DNR statement on the 2022 climate policy review published today by Agora Energiewende. Retrieved 26.10.2023