Solar park in Unterlosa: Citizens are divided over a renewable future!

Solar park in Unterlosa: Citizens are divided over a renewable future!

A lot is happening in the area of ​​renewable energies in the city of Plauen. The Unterlosa district is planning a solar park the size of which is around 90 football fields. The goal? Sustainable production of solar power. But decision-makers in the region are anything but unanimous about the project. As the Free press Reportedly, citizens' elected representatives are divided in their opinion on this project.

The focus is particularly on organic farmer René Kolbe from Pahren-Agrar GmbH, who is involved in the project. Sunfarming Projekt GmbH from Erkner, Brandenburg, brings its expertise as a power generator for renewable energies. Those responsible have clear goals: In addition to the production of green energy, the creation of jobs and the cultivation of vegetables at high temperatures are also important points.

Opportunities for community energy

Another aspect that animates the discussion about the solar park is the importance of community energy. According to the Institute for Ecological Economic Research (IÖW), community energy could not only accelerate the expansion of renewable energies, but also support the financing of the energy transition. In Germany there are now an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 energy communities that are actively involved in the planning and operation of renewable energy systems. This could also offer Unterlosa a new perspective in order to ensure the acceptance of the population.

A study by the Heinrich Böll Foundation shows what acceptance is actually like, which emphasizes that active support from society and local communities is crucial for a successful energy transition. Participation opportunities and transparency are the key words here for involving citizens in the projects. In this way, not only could value creation effects be secured locally, but participation by local residents could also be encouraged. Local communities are called upon to make an active contribution by launching projects themselves or founding companies in order to be able to participate in the growth of renewable energies.

Challenges and perspectives

Despite all the positive approaches, the project in Unterlosa also faces challenges. Community energy communities often struggle with structural and financial hurdles. Higher risks and limited equity capital are just some of the stumbling blocks that must be overcome in the implementation of such projects. Nevertheless, there is support at the political level. The coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and the SPD aims to promote consumer engagement in the energy transition through community energy offerings. This commitment could also be important for Unterlosa.

The exchange about ways in which community energy can be promoted will be continued in an online event on May 7, 2025 at the Berlin Energy Days. The topics of diversity and acceptance of the energy transition continue to be highly topical, also with regard to the project in Plauen.

If those responsible keep an eye on the opportunities and challenges and get citizens on board, the solar park in Unterlosa could not only contribute to the production of solar power, but also become an example of successful citizen participation in the energy transition.