4 2 / 2023 // LEOPOLDINA / NEWS

Robert Schlögl and Veronika Grimm on the need to transform the energy system

Hydrogen – here an artistic representation of the molecules – is an indispensable energy source for the energy transition

Image : Andreas Prott | Adobe Stock

At the beginning of March the Leopoldina focus group “ Climate and Energy ” published the discussion paper “ Key ideas for transforming the energy system ”. Leopoldina Vice-President Robert Schlögl ML and Veronika Grimm , Member of the German Council of Economic Experts , discuss the response and the purpose of policy advice .

The discussion paper was written by nine scientists from different disciplines . Was it difficult to find common ground ? Robert Schlögl : Actually it wasn ’ t that difficult , as restructuring the energy supply is a systemic task that involves everyone . When you look at all the various options , without taking an ideological standpoint , you find that everyone has a similar view of the situation . Of course , there are always different ways of looking at and approaching things in different disciplines , such as in the natural and social sciences . However , fundamental differences tend to exist more in society and not at the Academy . Veronika Grimm : This interdisciplinary approach is extremely important for the credibility of such a paper in terms of politics and with the public . As an individual scientist or an economist for example you are often accused of not understanding technology . Engineers on the other hand are accused of not having the necessary economic expertise . Schlögl : We are all linked to the Academy and see each other in many different settings . So it doesn ’ t make much sense to give more weight to certain opinions . In this case we were primarily concerned with finding the right way forward to achieve the energy transition . Even though the goal is clear , there are still many different ways to get there .

Veronika Grimm , you are an economist . In your opinion what are the most important considerations with regard to transforming the energy system ? Grimm : We can ’ t look at the transformation from the standpoint of only one nation , we need to think of it in global terms . There is no point trying to achieve a climate goal just for Germany . Instead , Germany needs to use its position wisely . We need to show that climate protection and prosperity can be compatible , promote climate protection in international negotiations , and create global options for climate-friendly growth through tech-