In most major German cities, solar expansion is progressing too slowly, criticizes Deutsche Umwelthilfe. A “sun turbo” is needed. Only seven of the 82 major cities are on the right track.
According to the German Environmental Aid (DUH), most large cities in Germany are lagging significantly behind in solar expansion.
Only less than ten percent of cities have installed enough new solar power systems in the past two years to meet the 1.5 degree limit. This was the result of an evaluation of data from the Federal Network Agency’s market master data register, as the DUH announced on Friday in Berlin.
Potsdam, Lübeck and Bremerhaven brought up the rear
Of all 82 major German cities, only Oldenburg, Paderborn, Regensburg, Neuss, Oberhausen, Gütersloh and Erlangen are on a very good path, according to environmental aid. Accordingly, the bottom-placed Potsdam, Lübeck and Bremerhaven would have to increase their expansion rate by 350 percent in order to steer towards the 1.5 degree limit.
According to the Paris Climate Agreement, the global temperature increase should be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible, but in any case to well below two degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial age. This is the only way to ensure development that is resilient to the consequences of climate change.
“Where is the pace in Germany when it comes to solar energy on roofs?” asked DUH Federal Managing Director Barbara Metz. “Judging by the Paris Climate Agreement, we are far from achieving a satisfactory expansion rate in German cities.” The federal and state governments should ensure “that municipalities can start the urgently needed solar turbo.” The DUH is calling for the introduction of a nationwide solar standard in new buildings as well as in existing buildings when renovating. In addition, a significant reduction in bureaucracy is necessary.
Source: Stern
