General Clean Energy

Energy transition as challenge for the society as a whole

In an superior approach, the project examines what effects political decisions can have on energy system transformation and on society. The aim is to derive political recommendations to promote energy system transformation not only in science and technology but also in society and economy and to design a suitable, secured legal framework.

Summary

The conversion of the current energy system based on fossil fuels to a CO2-free and renewable system is a process with profound changes. In this project, the social, political, legal, economic, ecological and, of course, technical dimensions of energy system transformation will not be examined separately, but in interaction. The following questions, among others, were discussed:
- Which scenarios for the energy system of the future make economic sense?
- What should the legal framework for the energy system of the future look like?
- How can policymakers coordinate energy system transformation - and take the public with them?
- What impact will future energy system technologies have on the environment?
- What role does digitalisation play in the energy system transformation?
- What is the international dimension of energy system transformation?

Appropriate social framework conditions for an innovation-friendly context needed for the energy system transformation were studied. With a focus on the coal phase-out, previous measures and instruments were reviewed and suggestions for improvement derived. One central issue was the heating transition, which has so far been overshadowed by the public debate on the transition of the electrical system.
Incentives for behavioural change were examined and the social acceptance of the transformation process was considered in studies. The multi-actor dialogue was also considered: an interactive format, the "Decision-Theater", was created which serves to store and visualise discussion results for various participants.
The findings from the project were converted into opportunitites for action of politicians.