Research reveals potential advantages for rural regions during energy shift.
Economists say that growing wind and solar energy production is good news for rural areas. A report from the German Economic Institute shows that most power plants are already in rural spots. Since these areas are the next big thing for expansion, they're attractive to companies looking for green energy. Examples include Northvolt in Schleswig-Holstein's Dithmarschen district, Intel around Magdeburg in Saxony-Anhalt, and plans for the northern part of Leipzig in Saxony.
The electrification of industrial processes could lead to a more balanced development: regions that are far from southern industrial hubs could make a case for themselves in the competition for location. Previously, Der Spiegel had written about the study.
The researchers believe that improvements in plant and energy technology can open up new land possibilities for future growth. Along with better efficiency, like with refreshed wind turbines, newer tech like high-altitude wind turbines or solar panels on bodies of water can increase choices for installation. They said, "This increases the chances for rural areas to take part in the energy transition."
Giving enough space for generation plants and industrial areas is crucial. So is getting more trained workers, for instance through career guidance programs for young people.
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Rural areas, with their abundant space, are ideal for accommodating the expansion of renewable energy plants, as highlighted in the study. This energy transition offers significant development opportunities for these regions, providing them with rooms for future growth in the green energy sector.
Source: www.ntv.de
