In her presentation, Katharina Heinbach introduces selected study results on the potentials for the expansion of selected renewable energy technologies in the lignite mining areas and shows which regional value-added and employment effects can be associated with a targeted expansion of renewable energies. In addition, she highlights key prerequisites for unlocking regional economic potentials as well as feasible measures to generate the greatest possible regional economic effects. This includes, for example, the involvement of regional companies along the value chain, the facilitation of financial participation of citizens, companies and municipalities in regional renewable energy projects as well as the promotion of community energy companies and other companies in the energy (transition) economy.