TY - JOUR

T1 - Nothing to regret

T2 - Reconciling renewable energies with human wellbeing and nature in the German Energy Transition

AU - Wiehe, Julia

AU - Thiele, Julia

AU - Walter, Anna

AU - Hashemifarzad, Ali

AU - Zum Hingst, Jens

AU - von Haaren, Christina

PY - 2020/12/22

Y1 - 2020/12/22

N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

KW - energy transition

KW - GIS modeling

KW - nature protection

KW - renewable energy potentials

KW - target scenario

KW - wind power

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85089467416&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1002/er.5870

DO - 10.1002/er.5870

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:85089467416

VL - 45

SP - 745

EP - 758

JO - International Journal of Energy Research

JF - International Journal of Energy Research

SN - 0363-907X

IS - 1

ER -