How can the REDII transposition help to advance Renewable Energy Communities and electricity sharing in Germany? This question was the core of a major national event organised by the SCORE partner co2online together with the European University Viadrina and the City of Essen. The event took place within the context of the “Berliner Energietage” (Berlin Energy Days) on 21 April 2021 with more than 300 participants.

Three presentations laid the foundation of the event. Prof Maik Wolf from the Technical University Dresden spoke about the legal framework of the REDII transposition. Prof Jens Lowitzsch from the European University Viadrina, head of the SCORE project, explained the concept of the Consumer Stock Ownership Plan (CSOP). Hubert Vornholt from the SCORE partner City of Essen presented the first German CSOP pilot project, the Franz Sales Haus.

In the subsequent panel discussion, representatives from European politics, science, local authorities and citizen energy discussed the framework conditions necessary for inclusive renewable energy communities and for joint projects of local authorities and citizens.

Quotes from the panel

  • “So far, only 10-15% of the population have actively been taking part in the energy transition.” Jens Lowitzsch, Viadrina University • “In order to achieve our climate goals, we need to build additional wind and solar energy plants and establish models allowing every citizen to invest in and benefit from these systems. Local authorities are crucial to this process.” Felix Benjamin Schäfer, Bürgerwerke e.G.
  • “The legal frameworks are basically in place.” Maik Wolf, Technical University Dresden • “It is insufficient to implement policies that are supported only by some 20% of the population. We need to include everybody if we want to make the energy transition a success.” Jutta Paulus, ME.
  • “The pilot project of the Franz Sales Haus can be our blueprint for additional projects in Essen.” Simone Raskob, City of Essen The event was attended by more than 300 representatives from science, public authorities, utilities, energy cooperatives, energy agencies and consultants, science and civil society. Learn more about the seminar and download the presentations here.

The event was attended by more than 300 representatives from science, public authorities, utilities, energy cooperatives, energy agencies and consultants, science and civil society.

Watch the seminar on Youtube and download the presentations here: