CEO of Tauber-Solar GmbH, Tauberbischofsheim

 

“It’s quite simply fun to witness a paradigm shift and to be involved in shaping it”

Why are you working in the renewable energies sector? What motivates you?

To subdue the nuclear/fossil energy industry for the good of the environment and humankind.

 

Where do you see renewable energies in the year 2020?

As the key pillar of the energy industry, in view of the climate and energy crisis there can only be one solution: renewables. Political debates will have long run their course, because time is of the essence and climate change dominates all else.

 

Are you aware of the industry forecast for 2020 with a 47 % share of electricity from renewable energy sources? If so, what’s your view on that?

It could certainly be even higher. I just hope that we’re not forced to reach targets for climate reasons (eco-dictatorship, conflicts) and that we can attain it of our own volition.

 

In your view, how will the power plant park of the future with renewable energies look?

There will be more self-supply, the concept of an “energy provider” will take on a new and individual meaning, people will have attained a new maturity as regards energy, there will be communal and regional energy concepts and solutions, and a decentralised energy industry with the accent on sustainability.

 

What’s your position on power plant extension?

It’s simply filling up the coffers for those who caused this dilemma for the populace under the cover of politics. It’s an excuse that we don’t have any more time for. It will mean a longer cleanup operation for future generations, and will rob them of financial scope for innovations and new developments.

 

What’s your view of new coal-fired power plants?

These bring with them acute health dangers (accidents, heavy metals, soot) and the problem of emissions. CCS efforts are too expensive, have come too late, are too dangerous and would cement an outdated technology and keep it running artificially. And in any case, the effectiveness of its realisation on a large scale is totally uncertain.

 

What’s your view of the development of renewable heat sources?

Just as in the case of electricity, it’s absolutely necessary. It should be intensified, as it represents great potential for rural regions.

 

What’s your view of biofuels?

We have to get back to rational arguments and away from buzzwords. One of a number of key mobility pillars and an all-rounder that will be very useful in the future.

 

In your view, which debates over renewable energies will define the year 2009?

1. Coal-Nuclear: New plants? Operation extension?

2. Renewed momentum in wind power sector (onshore)

3. Can people in rural areas be convinced of the merits of further developing bio energies and wind power?

 

When the day’s work is done, how do you like to relax and switch off?

By spending time with my wife, cultural activities, fine dining, good wine, listening to music or playing music myself, occasionally sport.

 

Expertise: Photovoltaics, cost-benefit calculations for plants, communal use of renewable energies, jobs, climate protection

 

Press enquiries: Leonhard Haaf, +49.9341.895820, leohaaf@t-online.de