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.
