Crimson-Tinted Metropolis: Sun City's Red Hue
In the heart of Germany, the city of Düsseldorf is embarking on an ambitious mission to transform into a "Sun City" by 2025. This initiative, driven by a comprehensive approach to solar energy implementation, aims to significantly increase the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across the city.
At the forefront of this movement is Reiner Priggen, the chairman of the Renewable Energy Association NRW and a long-standing member of the Greens in the state parliament of NRW. Priggen's focus extends beyond classic solar installations, as he advocates for the integration of solar energy into residential heating systems.
The municipal housing company in Düsseldorf is aligning with this vision, aiming to equip all new municipal buildings, suitable roofs of municipal buildings and their subsidiaries, commercial and industrial companies, sports facilities, single and two-family houses, and even balconies with PV systems by 2025.
Priggen believes that the city can replace many oil heating systems in single and two-family houses with solar systems and heat pumps. This shift towards renewable energy sources is not only environmentally friendly but also promises to reduce energy costs for residents and businesses.
Sarah Loeffler, spokesperson for the Young Greens of Düsseldorf and city council candidate, echoes Priggen's urgency, stating that immediate action is necessary to achieve the Paris climate goals. Loeffler emphasizes the need for a new, radical policy to address the climate crisis, as the current generation is the last that can prevent a climate catastrophe with its disastrous consequences.
The city's solar energy policy aligns with Germany’s broader "Energiewende" (energy transition) goals to increase renewable energy share, particularly solar energy, as part of the country’s plan to triple solar capacity to 200 GW by 2030.
Düsseldorf's strategy includes installing and supporting large-scale solar PV systems on key infrastructure and industrial sites, integrating solar energy expansion within the framework of Germany’s federal policies, and promoting local solar energy through cooperation with energy utilities and stakeholders.
By 2025, Düsseldorf aims to leverage these efforts to establish itself as a "Sun City," reflecting leadership in solar energy adoption and contributing to the city’s sustainability and climate protection objectives following national energy policies focused on phasing out coal and nuclear power while boosting renewables.
Priggen suggests that the city can facilitate this transformation by providing funding, advice, and clear guidelines for solar energy expansion. With Priggen's guidance, the city of Düsseldorf could play a significant role in the expansion of solar energy, leading the way towards a more sustainable future.
[1] Bundesregierung. (2020). Erneuerbare Energien. Retrieved from https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/energie/erneuerbare-energien-1683284
[4] Stadt Düsseldorf. (2020). Energie und Klimaschutz. Retrieved from https://www.duesseldorf.de/stadtentwicklung/energie-klimaschutz/energie-und-klimaschutz-1913760
[5] Stadtwerke Düsseldorf. (2020). Hydrogen-ready Power. Retrieved from https://www.stadtwerke-duesseldorf.de/strom/hydrogen-ready-power/
- Reiner Priggen, a leader in the renewable energy industry, advocates for Solar Energy Association NRW's comprehensive vision: integrating solar energy into residential heating systems, promoting its use in commercial and industrial enterprises, and even exploring opportunities on balconies.
- The city of Düsseldorf is not only embracing solar PV systems for its buildings but also aims to replace oil heating systems in single and two-family houses with solar systems and heat pumps, a shift that promises reduced energy costs and environmental benefits.
- Sarah Loeffler, a city council candidate and spokesperson for the Young Greens of Düsseldorf, echoes Priggen's urgency, stressing the need for immediate action to meet the Paris climate goals and avert a potential climate catastrophe.
- Aligned with Germany’s broader "Energiewende" (energy transition) goals, the city's solar energy policy encompasses installing solar PV systems on key infrastructure and industrial sites, cooperation with energy utilities and stakeholders, and adherence to national energy policies aimed at phasing out coal and nuclear power while boosting renewables.
