Coastal Energy Management Initiative

Many coastal regions throughout the world are experiencing a rapid conversion process. The traditional use of agriculture and fishing is taking an economic backseat while new forms of exploitation are being established. In many cases the point of view is focused on the energy market. Since the early 90s, especially wind energy production on the German coast has undergone rapid growth. Hydrogen conversion from offshore wind energy is increasingly discussed. Furthermore, another specific coastal form of renewable energy generation, tidal energy, is apparently shedding its experimental character, establishing itself along some European coasts. Due to the specific meteorological conditions, many offshore coastal towns also offer outstanding solar energy efficiency. Against this background, strong efforts are underway to completely switch to renewable energy consisting of wind power, solar energy, biogas production and biodiesel on the island of Pellworm.

With the aim of offering a synoptic look at the actual potential of renewable energy on the coastline and to raise questions about its impact on the regional economy , environment and spatial development, Dr. Karsten Runge initiated an impulse workshop on “Coastal Energy Management” at the University of Lüneburg. Internationally acclaimed specialists from several countries reported about developments in their profession. The results of the workshop were published in a volume of conference proceedings.