State, country or Europe – what is needed for the renewables expansion?
On 7 February 2023, VERBUND, one of the largest generators of electricity from hydropower in Europe and Austria’s leading energy company, held an evening event entitled “State, country or Europe – what is needed for the renewables expansion?”. The event at the Austria embassy in Berlin served to present the company as a new partner in the German energy transition to the EE community and extended stakeholder circle of politicians, associations and business.
On 7 February 2023, VERBUND, one of the largest generators of electricity from hydropower in Europe and Austria’s leading energy company, held an evening event entitled “State, country or Europe - what is needed for the renewables expansion?”. The event at the Austria embassy in Berlin served to present the company as a new partner in the German energy transition to the EE community and extended stakeholder circle of politicians, associations and business.
Following the welcome by HE Dr Michael Linhart, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria in Germany, there was a discussion between Dr Nina Scheer (MdB), climate and energy policy spokesperson of the SPD; Michael Kellner (MdB), Parl. Secretary of State of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), Felix Menzel, mayor of the municipality of Milower Land/Brandenburg and Michael Strugl, CEO of the Executive Board of VERBUND AG, moderated by Klaus Stratmann, Handelsblatt.
Several prerequisites are fulfilled for the energy companies, many of them could commence implementation immediately. However, as is so often the case, things are simpler in theory than they are in practice: inconsistent approval criteria and unclear responsibilities, missing dedications and long-winded licensing procedures are some of the obstacles in the way to an accelerated energy transition.
So what needs to be done to speed things up? What is happening, at what stage are the numerous efforts of the federal government in the energy transition? One thing above all else is clear: only an accelerated energy transition is a successful energy transition!
VERBUND is expanding: PV in Brandenburg
Germany, just like Austria, is a home market for VERBUND. In addition to its presence in Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate, the company is strengthening its commitment this year and planning the development of solar parks in Brandenburg. With up to 1,000 MW in 10 municipalities and an investment of up to 800 million euros, clean electricity should be generated for up to 600,000 households and businesses in the region. Around half of the planned project area is already secured, and installation decisions should follow this year on 3 pilot projects and 2 pilot municipalities.
