Energiewende – an Herculean task

Funding the transformation

The political debate is focused solely on the costs of energy system transformation. Yet in reality, energy system transformation is a highly attractive business with the prospect of massive profits. Indeed, this fixation with costs could be seen as a tactical manoeuvre that is intended to distract attention from the real profits that lie within reach.

The task now is to ensure that broad sections of society share in the benefits deriving from energy system transformation. On its own, energy system transformation cannot deliver more distributional justice. However, it presents the opportunity for democratic progress through transferral of ownership of this vital infrastructure to citizens.

So why does energy system transformation make such good business? Read on to find out more.