Solar park in Unterlosa: Citizens split over a renewable future!

Solar park in Unterlosa: Citizens split over a renewable future!

In the city of Plauen, a lot is happening in the area of ​​renewable energies. The Unterlosa district plans a solar park, the size of which corresponds to around 90 soccer fields. The goal? A sustainable production of solar power. But the decision -makers in the region are anything but agreed on the project. As the Freie Presse chosen representatives of the citizens split in their opinion on this project.

Especially into the focus of Bio-Landwirt René Kolbe from Pahren-Agrar GmbH, which is involved in the project. Sunfarming Projekt GmbH from Erkner Brandenburg brings its expertise as a power generator for renewable energies. Those responsible pursue clear goals: in addition to the production of green energy, the creation of jobs and the cultivation of vegetables at high temperatures is also an important point.

opportunities of the citizens energy

Another aspect that revives the discussion about the solar park is the importance of citizens' energy. According to the Institute for Ecological Economic Research (IÖW), citizens' 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 planning and operating renewable energy systems. This could also offer a new perspective for Unterlosa to secure the acceptance of the population.

As is concrete, a study by the Heinrich Böll Foundation shows, which emphasizes that active support for society and the municipalities are crucial for a successful energy transition. Participation options and transparency are the keywords here to integrate citizens into the projects. Not only on site could be secured on site, but also the participation by the residents could be promoted. Local municipalities are required to make an active contribution by starting 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. Citizens' energy communities often fight with structural and financial hurdles. Higher risks and limited equity are just a few of the stumbling blocks that are to be overcome in the implementation of such projects. Nevertheless, there is support on the political level. The CDU/CSU and SPD coalition agreement aims to promote consumers' commitment in the energy transition through citizen energy offers. This commitment could also be important for Unterlosa.

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

If those responsible keep an eye on the opportunities and challenges and bring the 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.