The energy crisis brought on by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made it more urgent for EU nations to find alternatives to oil and gas. According to BBC News, one German municipality, Abensberg in Bavaria, has been focusing on solar energy with the aim of becoming electricity independent by 2030.
Lothar Stich, an engineer, and inhabitant of Abensberg claim that the photovoltaic panels he has installed on his roof, garage, and shed provide more electricity than he requires. The electric grid of the community receives the extra power.
We generate all of our own energy during the summer, which lasts from April to September, so we don’t require any external electricity. Due to the absence of sunlight throughout the winter, it is not feasible, Stich told BBC News. When you have your own electricity, it feels nice. You travel in a vehicle that is fueled by solar energy. The sun doesn’t send money.
The 15,000 people who live in Abensberg rely on the system to provide electricity when it is overcast or dark.
According to Abensberg Mayor Uwe Brandi, by 2030, Abensberg should be able to generate 300% of its own electricity with photovoltaic systems, biomass, wind, and water power.
According to data, the German Solar Association provided to CNN Business, the number of business and residential solar system installations in Germany climbed by 22% over the same period in 2017.
According to Jim Gordon, CEO of solar supplier Smartflower, “there is a perfect storm of variables colliding that are really elevating solar energy,” our business is flourishing. Concerns regarding energy security are widespread. Nobody can control the sun, but an autocratic ruler can open a gas valve and turn off the energy.
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The Bavaria Solarpark is a photovoltaic (PV) energy facility located in Bavaria. According to Renewable Technology, when the Power Light project launched in 2005, it was the largest PV facility in the world. About a period of three decades, it is anticipated that the Bavaria Solarpark will cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 100,000 tonnes.
Due to the energy crisis, according to Abensberg Mayor Brandi, people are now focusing on renewable energy sources. In 2021, Russia supplied 55% of Germany’s gas; this summer, that percentage dropped to 35% and is still declining.
Despite its long-term goal of doing away with coal, Germany has kept using nuclear electricity and reactivated coal power stations.
According to Magdalena Groll-Zieglmeier of the Green Party, Abensberg currently lacks a way to store solar energy.
Richard, the environment officer for Abensberg and the husband of Groll-Zieglmeier, places a high value on the switch to solar.
We must take this route for the region, Germany, Europe, and the entire world. For the sake of future generations, he added, we must safeguard the earth.
