Participating instead of blocking: How honest participation ensures acceptance for renewable energies

Acceptance is an aspect of the energy transition that must not be underestimated. In Germany, over 100 citizens' initiatives against renewable energy projects were launched in 2023.[1] The main criticisms are typically high costs, insufficient dialogue with local residents regarding the projects' benefits, and disinformation campaigns. (Financial) participation of the local residents and sustainable future prospects can counteract these problems. Reinhard Christiansen from Grenzland Bürgerenergie explains how this works in an interview with EEHH.

REH: How do you perceive the current mood in the context of the energy transition? What incentives can increase acceptance?

Reinhard Christiansen: "I am missing a clear direction from the federal government. As an investor, I don't know where things are headed. A clear goal, such as 100% renewable energy in all sectors, in the shortest possible time, is achievable! Promoting broad citizen participation, for example by offering an extra cent in compensation if the project allows for fair citizen involvement, could be a decisive factor."

REH: What reservations and narratives do you encounter in the context of renewable energy projects and public participation? How can these be countered?

Reinhard Christiansen: "Because we always present our projects early and honestly, invite citizens to participate, and involve them in every phase of the projects, we do not encounter any reservations in our planning area. On the contrary, we are frequently asked by citizens when they will be able to participate in future projects."

REH: At Grenzland Bürgerenergie, citizens can benefit from solar and, in the future, hydrogen yields through investments. What role does this financial incentive play for the individual, but also for the region?

Reinhard Christiansen: "Right from the beginning, we have been explaining that the returns will be very modest. First, investments need to be made. Then, the marketing needs to be developed. And the balance sheet of the cooperative must show a profit. Only then can a dividend be paid out. The point is rather: every citizen over 18 can participate, support the project, and then become part of the energy transition."

REH: You are currently setting up a hydrogen project (electrolyzer + filling station) for Grenzland Bürgerenergie. Have you already been able to acquire any customers?

Reinhard Christiansen: "We have established numerous contacts and are already supplying end users. However, all of this is still without long-term supply contracts. We can only enter into long-term, lucrative contracts after the systems have been accepted by us and the electrolyzers are ensuring stable production."

REH: What challenges does the hydrogen economy pose for citizen participation compared to solar energy? (Risks, financing, need for explanation)

Reinhard Christiansen: "Hydrogen plants largely require 100% equity financing, perhaps supplemented by government subsidies. Banks are hesitant to lend. Hydrogen technology is also significantly more complex than solar power."

REH: What return prospects do you see for hydrogen and what regulatory hurdles affect these prospects?

Reinhard Christiansen: "From the outset, we have only stated: if we achieve interest rates comparable to those on overnight deposits, that is already a good start. If they improve, then it will be a very successful project. They can improve if the municipal utilities, industry, and logistics companies accept the transition to renewable energy and fair compensation. This is the path we must take. It cannot be achieved without being prepared to pay a higher price at the beginning of the transformation."

In this interview: Reinhard Christiansen, Managing Director of the “Grenzland Bürgerenergie” cooperative, explains how it enables citizens and businesses to invest in renewable energies and actively participate in the energy transition. The focus is on green hydrogen, solar energy, and sustainable infrastructure projects.