Two articles published on the energy transition in Lusatia

Thefirst article, written by Prof. Bernd Hirschl with Annika Bode from the MarEs chair and Dr. Steven Salecki from the IÖW , deals with the mobilization of endogenous energy transition potentials in former lignite regions using the example of Lusatia and their regional economic potentials as well as the prerequisites for their development. The article has been published in open access format in the journal List Forum für Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik since January 31, 2024.

Title: Unlocking local value-added opportunities in the energy transition in former coal regions-the case of Lusatia (Lausitz)

Abstract: The main result of this study is that Lusatia, as an energy transition and structural change region, still has high expansion potential for photovoltaic and wind energy systems. In 2040, electricity production from wind turbines could reach four times the current level. In the case of photovoltaic systems, around seven to eight times the current level is possible. Only in the area of biomass has the expansion potential already been largely exhausted. The building sector can also contribute to achieving climate neutrality. If the renovation rate is significantly increased to 3.3% per year by 2040, the required heating energy can be reduced by around 60%. At the same time, these energy transition scenarios are evaluated with regard to their regional economic opportunities for Lusatia. In an ambitious climate neutrality scenario, around 450 million euros in regional added value can be generated in 2040 and around 3560 full-time jobs can be filled. In order for this to succeed, however, the citizens and municipalities must first be given more opportunities for financial participation through appropriate framework conditions at federal and state level. We see financial benefits for the population and the municipalities as a critical success factor in order to be able to provide the necessary space, initiate investments and ultimately contribute to local acceptance.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41025-023-00254-1

The second article was written by Dr. Bruna Leuner with Prof. Hirschl from the Chair of MarEs and published in the journal Frontiers Energy Research on January 15, 2024 (Sec. Bioenergy and Biofuels, Volume 11 - 2023). This article deals with the biomass and bioenergy potentials in a coal region using the example of Lusatia as well as with the methodological challenges and approaches in the difficult determination of these potentials.

Title: Biomass and bioenergy perspectives of a coal region: status quo, potential and scenarios in Lusatia

Abstract

Coal has been one of the main fuels used in Europe. Its decreasing role due to the ongoing transformation of the energy system will create significant socio-economic challenges. The switch into renewable energy systems could be an alternative to maintain jobs and economic activities within the affected regions. Biomass use and bioenergy can play an important role in the energy transition. Instead of energy crops, forest and agricultural residues should be used as biogenic energy sources in the future to avoid impacts on land use and food security. The main objective of this article is to investigate the biomass potential of a coal region and to provide scenarios for the future development of bioenergy production. Due to the changing framework conditions and, as a result, the different biomass focuses, previous bioenergy potential estimates must be reviewed. The methods for determining the potential of biomass for energy production was used for Lusatia (in German: Lausitz), the second largest coal region in Germany. These methods can also be applied in other regions. As a first step, the regional status quo assessment of cultivated areas and yields had decisive relevance for calculating biomass potential ranges. In a second step, the current bioenergy facilities in the region were identified, with a focus on power and heat production. The third step was the estimation of future regional bioenergy use. Therefore, the regional potential was gathered with the generally supra-regional framework conditions. For this purpose, national scenario studies were used, which contain the relevant target values and framework conditions. Two scenarios were developed for future bioenergy estimations: a conservative path based on the current policies and a progressive path, derived from the goal of climate neutrality by 2045. The results show a qualitative comparison among both scenarios and the previously determined potential ranges. Bioenergy can probably contribute to achieving climate neutrality with an increase in wood-fired systems, while agricultural bioenergy potential is likely to decline. In the discussion section, however, the uncertainty of these results is pointed out, as future use of bioenergy will be heavily influenced by the regulatory framework, competition with material use and the influences of climate change.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2023.1275733