FG Management regionaler Energieversorgungsstrukturen
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The increased expansion of agricultural areas in central Brazil has been cited as a contributing factor to deforestation, soil degradation and water pollution. The impact of this expansion extends beyond the boundaries of the territory of the Xavante indigenous group. These protected areas have experienced a marked decline in available food resources and an unreliable energy supply. The term “indigenous bioeconomy” represents a holistic approach that aims to enhance the well-being of indigenous communities. It recognises indigenous knowledge and promotes the sustainable use of resources. The indigenous bioeconomy contributes to climate protection, by avoiding deforestation and replacing the use of fossil fuels in isolated areas with biogenic alternatives. This paper analyses the local biomass potential of a community within the Pimentel Barbosa Indigenous Territory of the Xavante ethnic group. Participatory research was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the customary Xavante practices. The theoretical biomass potential was estimated at around 2700 tonnes per year (t/a), which is defined as the total amount of selected biomass types available in the investigated area. Local practical biomass potential considers the per capita consumption of this biomass by the indigenous population. Furthermore, the authors quantified the unused biomass potential, representing biomass that could be used for various purposes including food, medicine and energy. Biomass residues have an untapped potential of around 180 t/a. The paper outlines possible utilisation scenarios for these residues and considers the challenges associated with food and energy security in indigenous territories.
User acceptance of battery swapping in battery electric vehicles among private users in Germany
(2025)
The market ramp-up of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continues to falter in Germany. One reason is missing user acceptance for BEVs, mainly due to insufficient range, inadequate charging infrastructure, and excessive costs. Many of these obstacles could be addressed through battery swapping stations. This study validates existing barriers to e-mobility, investigates whether battery swapping could alleviate existing barriers, and identifies potential concerns associated with battery swapping. This study is based on an online questionnaire completed by 1902 individuals representative of the German population. Results indicate that individuals interested in BEVs particularly recognize battery swapping as a problem solver. BEV owners also recognize the potential of swapping but have fewer concerns regarding e-mobility in the first place. A discrete choice experiment embedded in the survey revealed a willingness to pay an additional €56 per month for a BEV with swapping technology compared to a BEV with an integrated battery.
The topic of biochar carbon removal (BCR), which refers to the pyrolysis of biomass, is increasingly being discussed as a potential solution for the long-term removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, BCR technology assessments in Germany, which are used as the basis for strategic decision-making, are often limited to woody biomass as an input material and are based on old data. Consequently, this study focuses on BCR from forest residues, straw and sewage sludge and assesses its contribution to negative emissions under current techno-economic framework conditions. Using life cycle assessment and annuity method, as well as complementary stakeholder engagement formats, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of BCR pathways in Germany based on an empirical, up-to-date data basis. The results highlight the environmental advantages of BCR, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to the conventional treatment of residues. The economic feasibility of BCR is uncertain, with profitability dependent on plant scale, biomass type and the integration of energy co-products. Stakeholder insights underscore the necessity for supportive policies and investment in BCR technology to enhance scalability. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the discourse on BCR's role in achieving carbon neutrality and offers a robust data foundation for future evaluations.
Biomass and bioenergy perspectives of a coal region: status quo, potential and scenarios in Lusatia
(2024)
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.
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.
The reduction of energy poverty and the expansion of citizen-led community energy projects are two important issues for a just energy transition in the European Union. While some socio-economic aspects of community energy are well researched, there is a dearth of literature on its potential to include vulnerable households and eventually reduce the risk of energy poverty. Through the lens of energy vulnerability thinking, this paper examines current and future drivers of energy poverty in Germany, as well as factors that may limit or facilitate the inclusion of vulnerable consumers in community energy. It draws on previous studies and on 12 semi-structured interviews conducted in the Summer of 2021 with experts in the fields of energy poverty or community energy. Using a three-tenet conceptualization of energy justice, the article argues that community energy projects can mitigate energy poverty in Germany by providing affordable renewable electricity to vulnerable and energy-poor consumers, as well as by establishing fair procedures that consider various vulnerability contexts. Yet, deep-rooted distributional injustices in housing and social transfer schemes that drive energy poverty are likely to remain. In order to advance energy justice, community energy projects hinge on a collaborative multi-level and multi-actor environment.
Die Akzeptanz der lokalen Bevölkerung für den weiteren regionalen Zubau von erneuerbaren Energien wird immer mehr zum kritischen Faktor für das Erreichen der Klimaneutralität. Ein zentraler Akzeptanzfaktor ist die signifikante finanzielle Beteiligung der von den Anlagen Betroffenen und der Standortkommunen. Mit dem § 36k EEG 2021 bzw. aktuell dem § 6 EEG 2021 n. F. hat der Gesetzgeber einen ersten Schritt in diese Richtung unternommen, er muss jedoch aus Sicht der Autoren deutlich mehr regionale Beteiligungsformen ermöglichen.