OREANDA-NEWS. September 28, 2012. There was a heated discussion at the 64th Berliner Expert Talks of KfW on Globalisation: four experts from academia, business and politics gathered on the podium to discuss renewable energies, the energy turnaround and the importance of environmental technology for climate protection. The participants agreed that innovative technology makes an important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, Martin Faulstich, Chair of the German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU), reminded participants that it is not a cure-all. "In a finite world there cannot be unlimited growth," he emphasised.

"The Earth is a finite globe," Faulstich continued in this vein. "Green Technology" can postpone the limits to growth, but not overcome them. Klaus Milke, Chairman of Germanwatch, had a similar argument: "We endorse the energy turnaround", he emphasised. But economic and technical issues cannot be the only focus. "We also need societal engineers," continued Milke. The issue is also about global justice. Therefore he speaks rather of "green and fair technology". Dr Norbert Kloppenburg, Member of the Executive Board of KfW Bankengruppe, forecasts huge changes in the coming years: "The transformation to a low-carbon economy will change the life of each individual as well as the entire society." But that is no reason to be afraid. "Environmental technology brings society forward and creates jobs." The challenge of the day is to recognise and promote innovations.

Debate Over Renewable Energies

The Spokesperson of SolarWorld AG, Milan Nitzschke, underlined the importance of renewable energies for climate protection. In his opinion, German solar technology is in a crisis also because China is engaging in unfair competition on the global market. The annual Chinese production of solar technology is currently twice as much as demand worldwide, while the prices of Chinese solar modules have been subsidised far below the manufacturing costs. Facing this international competition the German solar industry is due to suffer because the German Federal Government plans to reduce the remuneration rate in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG).

Heinrich-Gerhard Lochte, Head of Division for Environment and Climate Protection in the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) disagreed: "T he BMWi does not see itself as the gravedigger of an industry and it is not one," he said. If the prices for solar modules fall, then the remuneration rates in the EEG must also be reduced. "Everything else is a subsidy and is irresponsible."

Martin Faulstich emphasised Germany's importance as a pioneer in environmental technology. "If Germany succeeds in its energy and raw material transition, this technology can also achieve a breakthrough globally", he said. Klaus Milke confirmed this assessment: "Germany is currently the energy laboratory for the energy turnaround," he said. Along with China, other countries are also looking to Germany and its experiences. Efforts made now should not depend on whether the USA joins in or not. However, Germany alone cannot act as the energy policy model. "It needs Europe in order to bring the process to a successful conclusion," said Klaus Milke. "Unfortunately Europe is faltering at the highest level."

Responding to a question from moderator Hans Jessen, Martin Faulstich underlined the importance of energy efficiency. But it is not the solution, since energy consumption continues to climb and wipes out all efficiency gains. In addition there is sometimes a so-called "rebound effect". "Cars are becoming more and more efficient but also heavier." As a result the efficiency gains are eaten up. And: "A one-litre car would make driving so inexpensive that public transport in rural areas will be nearly destroyed."

Milan Nitschke also emphasised the positive effects of the EEG. Primarily it has ensured that solar technology is not just made up of large-scale power plants. "You will find solar installations on many building roofs right here nearby," he said. "That is also why the acceptance of renewable energy is so high in Germany." In conclusion Martin Faulstich quoted Hubert Weinzierl, the Chairman of the German Environmental Foundation: "We need an energy turnaround, but much more we need a 'cultural turnaround'. The economic model of the last 2,000 years will surely not be the one of the next 2,000 years."