Hanna Naoumis at the 36th EEHH Media Forum

Hanna Naoumis took part in the 36th Renewable Energy Hamburg (EEHH) Cluster Media Forum this week, which focussed on the challenge of acceptance of the energy transition in society. A key point of discussion was the considerable risk associated with a lack of acceptance of the energy transition, which can manifest itself in legal action, a general mistrust of companies and active resistance. It became clear that increasing acceptance is an essential task.

Stakeholder Management for Acceptance of the much-needed Energy Transition

Emphasising the benefits for all stakeholders, early identification and involvement of all stakeholders and transparent communication about the current status were identified as decisive key factors. It was emphasised that promoting acceptance is a management task and should be integrated into the budget of each project accordingly.

Unfortunately, there is also a painful aspect: society in northern Germany has not yet fully realised the importance of hydrogen technology in the context of the energy transition. This was not only clearly demonstrated during the event, which was attended by representatives from Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as well as Northern MV, but was also a cause for concern.

Solar Parks, Offshore Wind Energy and Co: Northern Germany in Favour of Renewable Energies

The question of how to persuade local political decision-makers to develop a solar park, for example, was discussed intensively. According to the experts, the answer lies in the ability to generate enthusiasm, the clear presentation of benefits, the creation of an emotional connection, the building of trust and the transfer of knowledge about modern approaches such as sheep grazing and renaturalisation in solar parks.

Another important point that was discussed is the establishment of a "support group" for renewable energy projects that includes organisations such as environmental groups. The expertise and insights of speakers such as Norma Kemper (Deutscher Wasserstoff- und Brennstoffzellen-Verband (DWV) e.V.), Astrid Saidi, Minou Tikrani (Konstruktiv PR), Alina Uppenkamp (Bundesverband Neue Energiewirtschaft e.V. (bne)), Karina Würtz (Stiftung OFFSHORE-WINDENERGIE), Astrid Dose and Dr Axel Roepke were found to be extremely enriching.

Many thanks to the EEHH for organising this always important forum, which has made a decisive contribution to the discussion and finding solutions in the area of acceptance of the energy transition. We look forward to the next one!