Strengthening regional value creation through renewable energies
What value creation and employment potential do renewable energies (RE) offer the regions in Germany? How can municipalities and citizens benefit from the regional economic effects and what opportunities are there to exploit the advantages? The IÖW investigated these questions together with partners in a research commission for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK).
Determining the value creation and employment effects of wind energy and photovoltaic systems in all 400 districts and cities in Germany formed the basis for answering the research questions. For this purpose, the IÖW used its model for determining the value creation and employment effects of renewable energies (WeBEE model). With our calculations for the base year 2023 and the target year 2033, we were able to show that the German government's RE development paths can double the regional economic effects for the RE regions.
In addition to these direct effects, our partner IW Consult has investigated possible spillover effects. Using an econometric approach, we were able to show that RE activities also have a regional impact on the entire economic cycle and up to now have made a significant contribution to economic development in the regions with higher expansion rates.
Furthermore, the Berlin Institute, our second partner in the project, conducted interviews with local decision-makers in RE regions and identified important framework conditions and design strategies for the expansion of RE and the regional economic potential. The involvement of key regional stakeholders and the population was identified as important. By offering appropriate opportunities for participation, the municipalities were able to prevent acceptance problems and better exploit the potential for value creation.
The project partners have presented the client with recommendations for action that address various points of contact and stakeholder levels. The aim is to strengthen the expansion of RE and tap into the regional economic benefits for the RE regions.
