Germany

Germany’s energy transition is already well underway. Renewable energy already generates 43% of gross German electricity consumption – and in some months of the year that figure rises to over 50%.

Moreover, Germany now has a deadline for switching off the last coal-fired power plant – 2038 – and an ambitious blueprint for decarbonizing the German economy, drafted by the “Coal Commission” (Commission for Growth, Structural Change and Employment).

But the Expert Commission “Energy of the Future”, which monitors the progress of the Germany’s energy transition, stresses that both the transition to renewable energy and the exit from coal need to happen faster and sooner if Germany is to meet its climate goals.

The “social acceptance” of renewables by local communities and regions is crucial to this process.

Our study looks at how the energy transition is unfolding in the eastern state of Brandenburg. Brandenburg has been a leader in the energy transition; it currently generates over 70% of net electricity consumption in the state from renewable sources, and is a major exporter of power to other German states.

Brandenburg has the second highest installed capacity of wind power of any German Federal State with 3,894 wind plants installed generating 7,332 megawatts, there is also 3,700 MW installed solar power in the State.

At present, Brandenburg has nine of the ten largest solar plants in Germany, 2.2% of land assigned for wind energy installations, and further planned expansions for both wind and solar power. Wind and solar installation can encounter community opposition, with delays from protracted planning and environmental approvals processes.

Our research looks at the various factors that make up and influence the ‘social legitimacy’ of wind and solar projects in Brandenburg at both the local and regional level, examining how state and federal policy settings influence the evolution of the energy transition on the ground.

The briefing report produced from this research, outlining the ‘Brandenburg model’ of energy transition, its challenges, as well as recommendations is available on this site and elsewhere online.

Solar array near threatened villages in Lusatia.

Former mining sites as potential places for renewable energy.