Participation and acceptance as drivers for the transformation of Lusatia
The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) with around 1.07 million euros from the structural aid provided by the Coal Regions Investment Act (InvKG) and the state of Brandenburg as part of the "STARK" (Strengthening Transformation Dynamics and New Beginnings in the Coal Mining Regions and at Coal Power Plant Sites) funding programme. It is helping to shape the energy transition and structural change in Lusatia.The aim of the three-year project is to create a model for the transformation and structural change in the region, to accelerate the expansion of renewable energies through more efficient planning and approval procedures and to strengthen acceptance among the population.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Hübner, Vice President for Research and Transfer at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, emphasises: "The project, which is funded with more than one million euros, mainly from federal funds, combines technical approaches with the important task of focusing on social acceptance and more efficient approval procedures. It ideally complements research and activities at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg in the Global Change and Transformation Processes profile line and makes a key contribution to successfully shaping structural change in Lusatia."
Dr Klaus Freytag, Lusatia Representative of the Minister President, emphasises: "In order for the energy transition to be a success, the complex approval processes must be more closely interlinked and coordinated. The involvement of local people is important here. In the Lusatia energy region, we have the ideal conditions to investigate this scientifically and put it directly into practice."
Project manager Prof. Dr Eike Albrecht, holder of the Chair of Public Law, in particular Environmental and Planning Law at BTU, adds: "Lusatia has the potential to become a model region for the energy transition. With 'LaKo-MA', we want to find innovative ways to make the transition from coal-fired power generation to a sustainable energy supply swiftly and successfully. This requires not only technological solutions, but also social commitment and acceptance."
Involvement of regional and supra-regional stakeholders
The project envisages close cooperation with local authorities, municipalities, companies and civil society. It will investigate how planning and approval procedures can be optimised and participation procedures adapted. The BTU will work on an interdisciplinary basis and incorporate expertise from areas such as Urban and Regional Planning, Law and Administrative Sciences. The project is part of Lusatia's comprehensive endeavours to position itself as a model region for sustainable energy and future-oriented industries.
About the funding
Funding is provided as part of the federal government's STARK guideline using funds from the Coal Regions Investment Act (InvKG), which aims to strengthen the transformation dynamics in the German coal regions. It supports projects that develop innovative approaches to structural change and climate protection. The project volume includes investments in personnel and material resources, which are used specifically for the realisation of the project objectives.
Contact
Prof. Dr Eike Albrecht, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Chair of Public Law, in particular Environmental and Planning Law, T +49 (0)355 69 2749, E albrecht(at)b-tu.de, https://www.b-tu.de
Press contact
Robin Jost, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Research PR and Online Communication, T +49 (0)355 69 3124, E robin.jost@b-tu.de, https://www.b-tu.de
