What exactly is the energy transition? If you're looking for a clear answer to this question, you've come to the right place! Change is often difficult for us humans, but sometimes it is unavoidable. This is also the case with climate protection, probably the most urgent task facing our society. Especially because a significant proportion of electricity is still generated from conventional, climate-damaging sources.
In order to climate change to counteract this, we need a comprehensive transformation of our entire energy system - away from nuclear and fossil fuels and towards renewable energies and a low-emission future. In short: the energy transition.
In this article, I would like to explain them to you in more detail. From the definition, reasons and green energy sources, to the biggest challenges, current progress in Germany and the things you can do to help. Let's go!
In advance, here is a brief overview for you:
Definition: What is the energy transition?
The energy transition is the Continuous changeover from nuclear and fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas on renewable energies.
The term has its origins in Germanywhere the energy transition is being driven forward as a political strategy. With the Renewable Energy Sources Act The aim is to achieve a climate-neutral electricity supply and increase the share of renewable energies in electricity consumption to at least 80 percent by 2030.
Nevertheless, the energy transition can also as a global concept which is being implemented in many countries in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in the electricity, heating and transport sectors and to ensure a secure, economical and sustainable energy supply.
Reasons: Why is the energy transition necessary?
Electricity, heat and mobility are crucial cornerstones of our everyday lives. But this will only be the case in the long term if the energy comes from unlimited, renewable sources. The energy transition is Indispensable, in order to biggest environmental problems of our time to solve these problems. However, fossil fuels such as hard coal and lignite or oil and gas cause these problems.
For your personal motivation, I have simply put together the most important motifs in my opinion listed for the energy transition:
- Advancing climate and environmental protection
- Natural resources spare
- Creating new industries and sustainable jobs
- Minimize air pollution and improve quality of life
- Promoting energy independence and global competitiveness
- Living up to your own role model function
Energy sources: Where does green electricity for the energy transition come from?
Sustainable energy sources... that sounds all well and good! But where should the green electricity for the energy transition come from? An energy source is sustainable above all if it inexhaustible, low-emission and environmentally friendly is.
Here I briefly introduce you to the most important renewable energy sources which serve as the key to a more sustainable and climate-friendly energy supply:
- Solar energySunlight is converted into electricity with the help of solar and photovoltaic systems.
- Wind energyThe power of the wind is captured and converted by wind turbines.
- HydropowerHydroelectric power stations convert the kinetic energy of flowing water.
- BiomassOrganic waste or renewable raw materials are used to generate energy.
- Geothermal energyThermal energy from the earth's interior is used to generate electricity and heat.
Challenges: What obstacles stand in the way of the energy transition and what needs to happen?
Unfortunately, there are hurdles or problems here and there that make the transition to renewable energies more difficult. One of the biggest hurdles is certainly the lack of Storage solutionsto be able to use the electricity produced when needed. After all, solar and wind energy are strongly Depending on the weather and season.
Also the Grid expansion must be massively advanced in order to improve and accelerate the electricity transport and to minimize stabilization costs. In the German The north tends to produce too much green electricity and the south too little. produced.
The expansion of the German electricity grids is expensive. According to the Federal Audit Office, investments of more than 460 billion euros will be necessary by 2045.1 But it is technological progress through Continuous research and innovation indispensable.
Another challenge in many places is the lack of Acceptance by the population represent. For example, projects such as wind farms sometimes meet with resistance, which in turn slows down construction. So we also need people who are committed to sustainable renewable energies.
Progress: How much progress has the energy transition already made in Germany?
In my opinion, Germany has made great progress in the energy transition in recent years. According to the German government, the proportion renewable energies of electricity consumption in 2024 at around 57 percent.
The expansion of Wind and solar systems. The phase-out of fossil fuels such as coal and gas is therefore progressing. Despite these successes, the Speed of network expansion and with Storage technologies However, this must be further increased in order to achieve the long-term goals.
Further current data and a clear FAQ on the energy transition you can find here.
Take part: How can I actively promote the energy transition?
Yes, innovation from the business world is needed. But even if you are neither a founder nor employed in an innovative company, you can still as a consumer:in accelerate the energy transition every day!
And how exactly? I could simply say that you Save electricity and your Reducing the CO2 footprint should. But I want to tell you here Directly applicable, practical tips along the way 😉
Here are some concrete possibilitiesto actively help:
- Use green electricitySwitch to a provider that supplies completely renewable energy within 5 minutes. If you have the chance, then also switch to an electric car.
- Install PV systemWith a photovoltaic system on your own roof, you can produce your own green electricity and feed surplus energy profitably into the public grid.
- Promote or start solar projects: Invest in solar parks or equip an unused roof area (e.g. from a farm) commercially with solar modules. I have worked with Milk The Sun experiences and can only recommend the platform to you.
- Focus on energy-efficient household appliancesReplace your washing machine, fridge and other appliances in your home with modern technology that consumes less energy.
- Raising awarenessInform friends and family about the reasons for the energy transition and how they can participate in it. Also campaign for the political parties that are planning to accelerate the expansion of renewable energies.
There is only a future with the energy transition
Either way, we have no choice. The energy transition is the The key to a liveable and sustainable future. It is not only a climate protection measure, but also has long-term economic and social benefits for us all.
If, on the other hand, we leave everything as it is, we humans and all future generations including our children and grandchildren, have no future on earth.
"What we do today will determine what the world looks like tomorrow."
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (more under Sustainability Quotes)
I hope that this article has given you an understanding of the energy transition. Do you have any questions or suggestions? Then feel free to write me a comment!
Stay sustainable,
PS: A cornucopia of Tips for a fundamentally sustainable lifestyle you will find next in the linked article. Have fun with the implementation!
Source reference:
- Bundesrechnungshof: Energy transition not on track: readjustments urgently needed, available at https://www.bundesrechnungshof.de/SharedDocs/Kurzmeldungen/DE/2024/energiewende/kurzmeldung.html. [11.10.2024]. ↩︎
