Project BigTrans

Needs-orientated, integrated overall solutions for the installation of large-scale renewable energy systems for a socially designed transformation

Kurz: BigTrans

In order to achieve the national climate targets, a rapid expansion of renewable energies (RE) is required. In addition to small decentralised plants, this also includes the large-scale expansion of photovoltaics and wind power. The energy transition represents a social challenge that requires coordinated and equitable cooperation. The concepts developed in the project are intended to support municipalities, project developers and local stakeholders to work together in a fair and transparent dialogue. The aim is to promote the active participation of stakeholders in decisions on renewable energies in their region by identifying opportunities for shaping the process. In this way, the sustainable integration of large-scale renewable energy projects in rural regions can be supported.

Structure of the project in case studies

As part of the research project ‘Needs-oriented integrated overall solutions for the installation of large-scale renewable energy systems for a socially designed transformation’ (BigTrans), researchers are creating a (transformation) toolkit for all relevant stakeholders involved in the local energy transition. In the three case studies, large-scale ground-mounted solar projects in particular will be analysed and recommendations for action and scenarios for the local integration of a large-scale renewable energy plant will be derived from their experiences.

Elements of the transformation kit

The toolkit should be applicable to other locations with planned large-scale renewable energy projects. There, it will be able to serve as a basis for argumentation, planning, development and decision-making by the stakeholders involved in connection with future, local energy transition projects. In addition, the preferences and needs of companies, municipalities and civil society groups will be researched in order to promote their participation in the design of facilities and their integration into local transformation concepts. The resulting recommendations for improving communication and participation processes are also part of the toolkit.

Research design

BigTrans is a joint project of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) and the Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences (THI) with a term from April 2023 to March 2026 and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK). The special feature of the project is a correspondingly open research design through the interdisciplinary research approach with transdisciplinary components thanks to the participation of local stakeholders such as citizen energy cooperatives, political representatives and farms. Further information on the project, as well as on current and past events, can be found on the project website.