Germany Boosts Energy Transition With Citizen Participation
Germany is exploring ways to enhance its energy transition process, with a focus on citizen participation. New regulations and expert insights are shaping this approach, aiming to boost local economies and foster trust.
The German Energy Act (EEG) now permits photovoltaic and wind power plants to share revenue with host communities, up to 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour. This move encourages local acceptance and stimulates the regional economy. Some federal states have gone further, mandating citizen participation beyond EEG requirements.
Researchers have studied over 200 projects, revealing that participation can minimize conflicts and increase acceptance. Interestingly, it did not significantly prolong project durations for photovoltaic or wind power projects. Delays were primarily due to bureaucratic procedures and planning processes. However, participation can sometimes slow network expansion due to higher planning complexity and more actors involved.
To ensure a smooth energy transition, committed citizens should be involved as intermediaries in communal decision-making bodies, which can sometimes be polarized. Project managers are advised to focus on local value creation, such as awarding contracts to local companies or offering financial citizen participation. The Entso-E Expert Council, consisting of 45 specialists, is currently investigating the power outage that occurred in Spain and Portugal on April 28, 2025, to improve future energy systems.
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