Energy Turnaround in Bavaria: Between Wish and Reality?!

The share of renewable energies in gross electricity generation has reached over 49 percent in Bavaria. In the use of photovoltaic systems, hydropower and geothermal energy, Bavaria is the leader in Germany. In terms of electricity generation from bioenergy, we rank second among all German states. Nevertheless, many people believe that the energy turnaround is not progressing fast enough. We talked to our expert Prof. Dr. Oliver Mayer, Head of the Energy Division and the C luster Energy Technology at Bayern Innovativ GmbH, about the status quo.

Oliver, how satisfied are you with the status quo of the energy transition?

Prof. Dr. Mayer: I am actually never satisfied with the status quo when it comes to innovations , because innovations always have something to do with change. After all, we see this with the issue of climate change. A core element in stopping this is the energy transition and the central question of how we can realize a climate-neutral form of energy generation in the future. In my view, we need to speed up here, but we must not lose sight of social sustainability.

Why is it so difficult to achieve these goals more quickly?

Prof. Dr. Mayer: Energy supply is a complex issue - we are simply used to having cheap and reliable electricity and heat available at all times. Behind this, however, is a very complex system . Conventional power plant technology (e.g. Coal and gas power plant ) is completely controlled by humans. We have complete control over turning it on and off. With the switch to renewables, that control is lost to some extent. Humans do not determine when the Sun shines, when the wind is blowing or how much yield from an agricultural area can be processed as biomass . This makes the whole system even more complex and it is not so easy to convert.

This is also our task as Bayern Innovativ, to convince and offer innovation methods. Politics also supports this. For example, the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy has launched the hashtag "#TeamEnergiewende" to promote developments in this area.

Who belongs to this team, what is behind it?

Prof. Dr. Mayer: "#TeamEnergiewende" brings together people, companies and associations who want to advance the energy transition. Not only technically, but also emotionally. This could be a private individual who wants to reduce their energy consumption by taking simple measures such as buying new, efficient household appliances or avoiding standby mode. When we bundle all these actors together, such as with this hashtag, we achieve momentum. Every contribution counts to drive the energy transition forward.

Can you name any other measures?

Prof. Dr. Mayer: Private individuals as well as individual companies have numerous options. For example, the conversion to E-mobility , the renewal of heating systems - heating technology is also part of the energy turnaround, saving hot water or even using roof areas for photovoltaic systems . Associations can help raise awareness through informational events, for example. Every contribution counts!

How can it then be that private individuals with photovoltaic systems that supply more than 10 kw/h are "punished" with too high levies - at least many private individuals feel that way?

Prof. Dr. Mayer: I understand this view. Taxes and duties are never really welcome. Unfortunately, the legal and tax framework does not develop as dynamically as the technology. I see an analogy here with the Internet and data protection - initially, the Internet developed very dynamically, and legislators had to follow suit when it came to regulations on data protection and "smooth things over". In my view, it will be similar with the topic of energy - the current situation of too high levies will not remain a permanent state.

While for many citizens the energy turnaround is not progressing fast enough, others worry about things like land consumption by photovoltaics or habitat destruction by wind power. Is there a compromise between all these interests?

Prof. Dr. Mayer: It is clear that renewable systems also consume resources. They seal areas and living space. But what happens on the other side? What happens if we leave everything as it is and let climate change happen? Then the habitat of the animals will also be destroyed. We have to find a balance between too many and too few measures. Some aspects also have to be seen in relation: In the area of wind power, for example, bird strike may be a problem. But this problem also occurs, for example, in road traffic or on window panes. Nevertheless, we do not do without it. We must find compromises and weigh.

So, from your point of view, there is no way around the energy transition?

Prof. Dr. Mayer: Yes. From my point of view, there is no way around it. Therefore, I also like to work in this area.

What does Bayern Innovativ offer to promote the energy transition?

Prof. Dr. Mayer: We have a variety of services, to a large extent networking . Instead of a large enumeration, I recommend subscribing to our free newsletter , in which we regularly provide information on energy transition topics. If there is interest then, you are welcome to contact us for a deeper exchange.

The interview was conducted by Dr. Kord Pannkoke, Head of Business Development at Bayern Innovativ GmbH.

Listen to the full interview as a podcast: