Transforming the energy system is a long-term task. However, it is also an urgent task if we are to meet the agreed climate change targets. Rapid action is required. “The expansion of wind energy and photovoltaic systems is primarily taking place in rural areas,” says Prof. Dr. Peter Weingarten, Director of the Thünen Institute of Rural Areas and member of the SRLE. “Maintaining and improving acceptance for the expansion of renewable energies is a basic prerequisite for the long-term success of the transformation of the energy system.” The SRLE therefore recommends maintaining local control over site planning, involving local authorities and citizens in value creation and ensuring spatially fair grid fees and appropriate compensation payments to municipalities for new power lines.
Specifically, the SRLE makes the following recommendations for the federal government, federal states and local authorities:
Recommendations for maintaining local control over site planning
- The federal and state governments should support and enable municipalities to make strategic use of their planning and control powers.
- Regional and municipal planning authorities must think more closely about siting decisions for wind energy and photovoltaic systems.
- In appropriate locations, areas should be used simultaneously for wind energy and photovoltaic systems.
- The potential for photovoltaic systems on roofs, walls, sealed and brownfield sites should be exploited as a priority.
- The strengtening of the obligation to install photovoltaic systems on buildings must be accelerated.
