A decentralized, regional approach
An interview with Axel Berg – Head of the German Section of the European Association for Renewable Energy (Eurosolar)
Is the energy revolution on the right track?
We are at a stage where renewable energy can seriously assume responsibility for generating electricity in Germany. We're now at a crossroads: should be adjust our cable systems to meet the needs of renewable energy or simply switch our conventional power plants for large-scale wind farms in the North Sea, for example – with high-voltage line expansion measures that will provoke hundreds of citizens' action groups? The fact that so many large industrial companies are exempted from the costs of the expansion measures has also attracted criticism. The burden will be borne largely by small electricity consumers.
So what is the alternative?
A decentralized, regional approach is key to the success of the energy revolution - the electricity should be generated as close as possible to where it is consumed. Obviously, there are problems with storage, but all of these problems can be solved. We can create "virtual" power plants including photovoltaic systems, wind turbines and biomass power plants, allowing us to control electricity production to suit demand. The regenerative excess power could be used, for example, to create "wind gas" that would be fed into the gas network.
Won't the energy revolution put too much strain on the economy?
This is an extremely short-sighted way of thinking. It goes without saying that investments have to be made in order for renewable energy facilities to be built. But the price of fossil fuels and uranium are also likely to rise. The Munich metropolitan area alone spends around three billion euros a year on buying energy, and virtually this entire amount is destined for abroad. I want value creation to take place here in Germany. This would be a sort of free economic stimulus programme.
What opportunities are there for the export of German technology?
Ten years ago, we were still the pioneers. Today, the Chinese also have high-tech factories for solar cells. This is a perfectly natural process. Our raw materials lie in the skills of our engineers and tradesmen, and in our good training and education system. We always have to be one step ahead of our competitors. We could develop the technology for second-generation biofuel, for example.
How can the energy revolution get back on track?
This is where our politicians really have to step up to the plate. It's ultimately about the right tools and laws. If cutbacks are made regarding the German Renewable Energies Act, we'll be squeezed off the market in a few years' time. We have to continue as we have started, spending more on research and launching new market incentive programmes. Although we Germans are partly responsible for global climate change, we have an opportunity to benefit from the solution to the problems and create jobs.
by Andreas Heins for Adlershof Special