No energy transition without modern urban development: Insights from the 11th JARA-ENERGY Talks
The energy transition and climate change are already transforming the way we live and will continue to reshape our cities in the future. One of the most apparent changes will be the shift to renewable energy, necessitating a fundamental overhaul of energy infrastructure. This entails replacing traditional power plants with decentralized renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. This transition directly impacts urban development.
At the 11th JARA-ENERGY Talks, Pierre Golz, Managing Director of Herne.Digital GmbH, addressed precisely this pressing issue. In his presentation "No energy transition without modern urban development," he not only elucidated why urban development is crucial concerning the energy transition but also showcased projects in Herne.
The presentation offered a captivating glimpse into the current challenges and opportunities associated with the energy transition, particularly within urban contexts. Pierre Golz provided a thorough analysis of the situation and discussed specific requirements for cities, with Herne as a prime example.
A central challenge in integrating decentralized energy sources in cities is the increasingly outdated infrastructure. Herne served as a prime example in this regard, being part of the Ruhr metropolis and one of Germany's most densely populated regions. The dense population presents a unique challenge, making Herne an intriguing testing ground for innovative solutions. There was particular emphasis on the need to align energy producers and consumers to realize Mission Zero.
Practical Examples - Herne as a Beacon
Herne has already taken significant steps to promote sustainable urban development. Projects such as the climate district and the world's first megawatt PV plant showcase the city's commitment to renewable energy. However, Herne also grapples with predicting energy development in the coming decades, given that urban infrastructures are designed for the long term.
The discussion at the JARA-ENERGY Talks also delved into topics like digitalization, data protection, new communication forms, and cooperation between politics, industry, and science. Ultimately, the greatest challenge lies in kickstarting the energy transition and finding strong advocates for it at all levels.
The lively Q&A session following the presentation revealed the controversy surrounding urban development in relation to the energy transition. Overall, Pierre Golz's presentation provided an inspiring insight into the complexity and opportunities of the energy transition in urban areas, underscoring the importance of a holistic and collaborative approach to addressing these challenges.
Further information:
https://herne.digital/ (german)
https://www.jara.org/de/forschung/jara-energy/wissenstransfer (german)
