Section 2 i) Initial Research Work - Gewerbliche Schule Ravensburg

Second presentation“Energy programs in Baden Württemberg, Germany and within the EuropeanUnion”by Dr Heiko Lünser, Secretary at the State Ministry of Economy in Stuttgart.Mr Lünser pointed out right from the beginning that the scope for actions of a federalstate like Baden-Württemberg is very limited as the framework of legislation in thisfield is set by the EU’s legislative organs and by the federal government in Berlin.In 2007 the EU issued its energy and climate aims for 2020:To reduce its greenhouse gases by -20%To reduce its energy consumption by -20%To increase the use of renewables by + 20%The government in Berlin set an even more ambitious plan for an even further future.Aims for 2050 (2020):To reduce greenhouse gases by -80-95% (-40%) on the basis of 1990To reduce primary energy consumption by -50% (-20%) on the basis of 2008To reduce consumption of electricity by -25% (-10%) on the basis of 2008To increase the use of renewables for energy consumption by +60% (+18%)To increase the use of renewables for electricity consumption by +80% (+35%)The State government in Stuttgart is within the guidelines given by Brussels andBerlin but can specify the directives according to its political conviction and itsgeographic situation. So it promises to double power-heat-cogeneration from today’s10% to a 20% share in generating electricity. Water power, biomass and photovoltaicenergy will mainly replace traditional energy sources for the generation of electricity.The State Government also supports measures and actions that help to save energyand to increase its more efficient use. Both factors will strengthen BadenWürttemberg’s position as a major exporting State.Mr Lünser also pointed out that some of the obstacles for pushing through alternativeenergies arise from the citizens themselves as soon as they are affected by actionsthat are aimed to implement the new energy policy: one example is the plan toexpand and improve the network of electric cables to transport electricity fromNorway and Finland to Germany. These plans are heavily being opposed. A similarresistance can be seen when corporations, local governments or private initiativeswant to build wind parks or biogas works. The early participation of citizens inapproval procedures is gaining more and more importance in a democracy.By Max Brehm and Lukas Keckeisen(translated by Meinrad Mager)5