2 / 2023 // LEOPOLDINA / NEWS 5
nological development . The big challenge is how to explain this properly .
We are using this paper to draw attention to the urgent need for action . In some areas we are running out of time , for example in the expansion of renewable energies and power grids or in the construction of hydrogen gas power plants . If Germany phases out nuclear power and coal , it will need a rapid expansion of renewable energies and gasfired power stations to compensate . We also discuss issues we need to push forward with but are not getting enough attention currently , such as negative emissions technologies .
And for you as a chemist , Mr Schlögl ? Schlögl : The most important thing is the determination to make the necessary changes . Negotiations are difficult for the current government because everyone is focused on their own image . The fact that the right infrastructure is now critical for the energy transition gets lost by the wayside . We need gas , hydrogen and power lines and sites for gas-fired power stations .
The discussion paper was published at the beginning of March , just in time for the government cabinet meeting in Meseberg . Have its recommendations been taken on board ?
Schlögl : The impact of such a goal-oriented strategy paper cannot be verified on a point-by-point basis . It is only effective if it moves those involved in a way that the public doesn ’ t notice . At least some of the things decided in Meseberg are not in contradiction to our recommendations . That is indeed a great Fotos : Markus Scholz | Leopoldina , success .
German Council of Economic Experts
Grimm : In times of crisis such as these , policy advice does make an enormous difference . Be it the pandemic , inflation or geopolitical uncertainties – scientists are often consulted because politicians are responsible for defining the new framework for action and seek direction in doing so .
Do politicians implement the advice of scientists ? Schlögl : Politicians take note of our advice and also request it . However , political negotiations often take a different track , and we do not have any part in this . But this is not important , as the purpose of scientific policy advice is not to make political decisions . Grimm : Scientists provide a forecast , develop scenarios and courses of action , but it sometimes feels like it takes an eternity for things to get through to politicians and society . Particularly in the case of energy transformation , many things that we recommend in our paper have already been discussed widely in the scientific community . We have been discussing the role of hydrogen in the energy system for decades . In the past we were considered delusional , but nowadays hydrogen strategies are mainstream . The same is true for methods of climate protection for emissions trading .
Are you already working on the next discussion paper ? Schlögl : Yes , we are preparing a paper on the topic of carbon cycles . If fossil fuel cycles no longer exist at some point , then CO2 will become a valuable material . Therefore , we already need to be thinking about what the rules and economically viable framework conditions could look like and what technology is required .
■ THE INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED BY BENJAMIN HAERDLE
DISCUSSION PAPER “ TRANSFORMATION OF THE ENERGY SYSTEM ”
The energy system needs to be transformed if the Paris climate goals are to be achieved in Germany and Europe . It is important to provide technologies that also make this possible around the world . There is a great need for action , because international crises , such as the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine , exacerbate conflicts of interest and make global cooperation more difficult . The Leopoldina discussion paper “ Key ideas for transforming the energy system ” discusses approaches for an effective and sustainable energy transition .
Transformation strategies should be developed in consideration of the goals to be achieved , and should therefore be fully open to technology and increase the attractiveness of private investment in the transformation as much as possible . In this case the clarification and reliability of the conditions for investment are essential . At the same time , incentives and targets can lead to a more efficient use of energy .
The discussion paper sets out six key ideas : climate policy should be developed on a European and cross-sectoral level . For this purpose European emissions trading should be expanded in the form of a uniform , transparent , sustainable framework including all emissions . In addition to reducing emissions it is essential to establish a system of carbon cycle management in order to remove unavoidable emissions from the atmosphere . Furthermore , a hydrogen energy economy needs to be established and there is an urgent need to authorise the import of hydrogen . A further key idea is the expansion of the grid for energy sources and electricity . At the same time , the role of gas-fired power stations needs to be increased in the transition phase .
■ EDS
Discussion paper “ Transformation of the energy system ” ( German only )