CEDS International Guest Speaker Series 2013-14 -- Renewable Energy Autonomy and the German Experience: Perspectives for Ireland? -- Prof. Dieter Genske
Thu, 29 May 2014 14:00:00 IST - Thu, 29 May 2014 16:00:00 IST, 14:00
At MRI Annex Lecture Theatre, NUI, Galway
Organised by Political Science and Sociology/Ryan Institute
Renewable Energy Autonomy and the German Experience: Perspectives for Ireland? Prof. Dieter Genske (Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, Germany, and the University of Liechtenstein) With the Energiewende (the Energy Switch), Germany is spearheading the global movement for transforming our fossil society into a renewable one. Although there have been setbacks and obstacles, the green momentum remains strong, with the majority of the German population supporting the idea of green energy. Cities and communities have defined ambitious goals to become self-supportive and carbon-neutral. Energy providers are redefining their fields of activity to participate in this transformation process. This presentation gives examples from communities in Germany, Switzerland and Austria aiming at green energy autonomy. Achievements and drawbacks will be indicated and future developments will be discussed. The question will be raised whether this transformation process would also be feasible in Ireland.