SWK Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern has been committed to addressing current energy issues in depth for decades. Once again this year, the municipal energy supplier has succeeded in securing an outstanding line-up of guest speakers for the event.
Prof. Dr Volker Quaschning, Professor of Renewable Energy Systems at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (HTW Berlin), addressed the topic: ‘How we must drive the energy transition forward at a local level in order to still halt the climate crisis’. In a concise, to-the-point and engaging manner, the multi-award-winning Quaschning will set out his views clearly: “To keep the consequences of the climate crisis under control, renewable energies must cover the entire energy demand – not only in electricity supply but also in the sectors of heating, transport and industry – by 2040 if possible. This means major changes, but also great opportunities for us all. To get everyone on board with this transition and build the necessary acceptance, local citizens and businesses must be fully involved.”
Frank Farenski, a television journalist and producer of films on the energy transition, describes himself as a champion of climate protection, the energy transition and sustainability. The winner of the 2017 German Solar Prize has chosen the theme “All on electricity – how the energy transition is progressing regionally” for his contribution to the evening. He is certain: “All energy needs will be met by electricity. The energy transition has always been decentralised and will remain so. Businesses, local authorities and private households can play an active part in this. This means a democratisation of the electricity supply. As a result, value creation and services remain regional. The energy transition thus represents the competitiveness of tomorrow.”
For the first time this year, Lord Mayor Beate Kimmel will open the traditional event. She succeeds Dr Klaus Weichel as patron of the Energy Forum. For Beate Kimmel, taking on the patronage of this event in her capacity as Lord Mayor of Kaiserslautern is a matter of course: “The sustainable orientation of our energy supply is one of the key issues of the future. In this endeavour, we are relying more than ever on our municipal utility company, for example in municipal heating planning. The Energy Forum is a tried-and-tested and thoroughly successful platform for exploring such future-oriented topics in depth and bringing them closer to our citizens.”
The evening promises to be fascinating, without a doubt. The municipal utility company will set the tone for the event with the question: “As a regional energy supplier, how do we shape an energy transition that is close to the people?” Markus Vollmer, a member of the Executive Board of SWK Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern, will answer this question. He will also discuss the extent of the challenges involved in the regional energy transition: “Effective climate protection for the region offers enormous opportunities for our business location. Stadtwerke sees itself as an energy partner for the region. As a municipal energy supplier, we offer the complete package from a single source. We are already a strong partner for many municipal utilities and local authorities in the region, and we want to build on that further.”
SWK Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern looks forward to welcoming a large number of guests.