Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 745-758 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | International Journal of Energy Research |
| Volume | 45 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 18 Aug 2020 |
| Publication status | Published - 22 Dec 2020 |
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
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Energy(all)
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
- Energy(all)
- Nuclear Energy and Engineering
- Energy(all)
- Fuel Technology
- Energy(all)
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
Sustainable Development Goals
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In: International Journal of Energy Research, Vol. 45, No. 1, 22.12.2020, p. 745-758.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
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 -