The Westphalian Newsn published a short summary of the conference, which we would like to share with you. With the kind support of the publisher.

Conference in Münster

Helping to shape the energy transition

Thu, 10.09.2015 Münster - How can the energy turnaround in Germany succeed, what can citizens do for it - this is what experts are discussing at a conference in Münster until Friday.

Sometimes everything seems as convincing as it is groundbreaking: for example, in Nußloch, south of Heidelberg, where photovoltaic systems on seven roofs of a multi-family housing development produce electricity that the tenants living directly below use immediately for their stove, television or computer. "Electricity from your own roof is also cheaper," says Andreas Gißler of the Heidelberg Energy Cooperative, pointing out another aspect aside from environmentally friendly power generation. Since 2011, the cooperative with 250 members has, according to its own information, realized a total of 14 plants worth one million euros.

It is projects like these that are to serve as proof at the second "Energy Renewable Design" innovation conference that the energy transition can be shaped on one's own doorstep. Until today, 80 participants from business, science and civil society will exchange ideas on such topics and projects in Münster. The event was organized by the Green Electricity Label (GSL) association in cooperation with Münster's municipal utilities and the NRW Energy Agency.

GSL association chairwoman Rosa Hemmers lets projects like the one near Heidelberg shine. However, due to changes in subsidy conditions, she sees private operators and small businesses facing tougher framework conditions. Nowadays, anyone planning a photovoltaic ground-mounted system has to take part in a tendering process in order to receive funding, and often has to compete with professional project developers. A "big hurdle" for citizen investment groups or small cooperatives, for example, as Hemmers emphasizes. In the past, it was the smaller players who had brought renewable energies more strongly into the market, according to the GSL chairwoman. Some had already given up in the meantime because of the changed promotion without sufficient transition periods. It is difficult to predict how the "turbulent development" will continue.

"Grüner Strom Label" as organizer of the innovation conference certifies so-called green energy - also at Stadtwerke Münster. According to its presentation, seven non-profit associations are behind the association.Dirk AngerWith the kind support of Westfälische Nachrichten.Source: Aschendorff Medien GmbH & Co. KG: Helping to shape the energy turnaround; 10.09.2015.http://www.wn.de/Muenster/2109305-Konferenz-in-Muenster-Die-Energiewende-mitgestalten