CEO of Naturstrom AG/ NaturStromHandel GmbH, Düsseldorf

“Green electricity has in the meantime really arrived at the heart of society”

When did you first get involved with renewable energies? Was there a particular trigger or inspiration?

I was always interested in renewable energies. I saw them as the future of energy production, rather than nuclear power that is fraught with risks, or coal-fired power that is harmful to the climate. My professional interest in the subject began at Naturstrom.

What motivates you?

It’s hugely motivating to see how increasing numbers of people are interested in green electricity, and how customer figures have risen to unprecedented levels in recent months. Green energy has in the meantime really arrived at the heart of society. In view of this, I am of course also quite proud of the fact that we at naturstrom made an early commitment to renewables, and that we’re part of the necessary changes in energy production. It’s quite simply great fun to see the success that our small but highly motivated team achieves, and to be working to advance this change.

Where do you see renewable energies in the year 2020?

In the year 2020, renewables will be an irreplaceable component of the energy mix worldwide. The necessary innovations to meet power needs will take place in the renewable energies sector. The energy shortfall forecast by opponents will not occur. However the pace of development will depend wholly on cost trends in conventional energy industries, as unfortunately this cost pressure is still the strongest incentive for the majority in politics, business and society to act to protect the climate.

What still needs to be done to achieve this?

More and more people must make a conscious decision to switch to electricity from renewable energy sources, thereby forcing political decision-makers to follow a clear-cut “green” course in energy policy. This would also have a knock-on effect on electricity companies, whose production oligopoly would be broken up by the emergence of increasing numbers of decentralised production plants as customers turn away from them in favour of renewables. Alongside the EEG (German Renewable Energy Act) as a central pillar of the development of renewables, a much greater focus must in any case be placed on energy saving and efficiency, if the energy turning point is to be achieved.

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

I love to travel, as a way of getting to know the natural world and its people better. Otherwise I like to take out the inline skates and skate along the Rhine, whenever there’s a break in the bad weather typical of Düsseldorf.

Expertise: Green electricity, virtual power plants, EEG direct marketing, onshore wind, photovoltaics, biogas, hydropower, grid integration, financing and development of plants, communal use of renewables, national frameworks / EEG, climate protection and emissions trading

Press enquiries: Dr. Tim Loppe, +49.211.77900363, Loppe@naturstrom.de.