“Answers are needed on how farms can become more climate-friendly. This transformation will only succeed if the people who have to implement it are also convinced. And, of course, it must be economically viable,” said Federal Minister Özdemir during the presentation of the plans.
Tractors with climate-friendly drives reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thus contribute to climate protection. The project “TrAkceptance” aims to investigate the acceptance of agricultural machinery powered by renewable fuels or electrically – and how this share can be increased.
The project is being led by the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT), the Technology and Support Center of the Competence Center for Renewable Resources (TFZ), and the Federal Association for Bioenergy eV (BBE).
In addition, the BMEL ministry has commissioned a study into the possibilities for more wind turbine and solar park developments in Germany. The center-left coalition aims to quickly phase out power plants running on lignite excavated in Germany and does not want a return to electricity from nuclear power plants. Lignite combustion is a major cause of greenhouse gases, and the excavations 'devastate' the landscape.
The Advisory Council for Rural Development (SRLE) of the ministry presented its statement Tuesday titled “Transformation of the energy system: opportunities for Expansion of wind energy and photovoltaic systems in rural areas” which was handed over to Minister Cem Özdemir. The SRLE makes recommendations to strengthen acceptance and participation in income from renewable energy among municipalities and citizens.
Because of their location requirements, rural areas are of exceptional importance for the necessary expansion of renewable energy sources. Minister Özdemir said: “Answers are needed on how agricultural businesses can become more climate-friendly. This transformation will only succeed if the people who have to carry out this innovation are also convinced. And, of course, it must be economically viable.”