Together for the energy transition: structural change conference in Schmochtitz!

Together for the energy transition: structural change conference in Schmochtitz!

The structural change conference will take place in Schmochtitz on November 18, 2025, to which the Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) and the Association for the Promotion of the Use of Renewable Energy (VEE) invite you. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Schmochtitz educational estate in Bautzen and aims to increase acceptance of the energy transition in Saxony's municipalities. Specialist days, networking and exchange between civil society, science, municipalities and business are on the program. The topics include, among others the role of ground-mounted solar parks on biodiversity and the benefits of community energy communities.

But what does the energy transition actually bring? A look at the numbers shows that the share of renewable energies in gross electricity consumption was 55 percent in 2024. The goal is clear: this share should increase to 80 percent by 2030. However, the challenges should not be underestimated. In addition to the lack of acceptance, insufficient financing and network bottlenecks are also existing hurdles. Community energy projects offer a solution here and have been an integral part of the energy transition in Germany since the 1980s.

Community energy as a key to acceptance

The Renewable Energy Act (EEG) introduced in 2000 made it possible to realize numerous community wind farms and solar projects. There are currently estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,000 community energy communities in Germany, with around a third organized as cooperatives. A notable aspect is that around 12.5 percent of the installed wind energy output comes from citizens. In the area of ​​photovoltaics, the proportion is even lower at around 43 percent, which is operated by private households.

The EU supports the energy transition through the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), which promotes energy communities' access to the energy market. However, in Germany there are some regulatory restrictions that make it difficult for shared consumption. This is exactly where the discussions at the conference begin, because community energy opens up the opportunity for social participation and is central to a sustainable future.

The path to a successful energy transition

The future looks bright: Studies show that theoretically up to 90 percent of all households would be able to collectively generate their own electricity. Community energy can open up areas that are less attractive for commercial providers, such as local heating networks. This not only promotes regional added value, but also significantly increases acceptance among the population.

However, in order to fully exploit the potential of community energy, political measures are required. The federal government is called upon to formulate measurable and legally binding objectives and to adapt the framework conditions for community energy. In addition to digital networking, which is essential for the integration of community energy systems, work should also be done to make electricity consumption more flexible.

Anyone interested in the structural change conference should hurry up, because... The registration deadline is November 1, 2025. The conference offers the opportunity to actively participate in the energy transition and set the course for a sustainable future.