Published on 23.09.25
Shaping with Energy: Opportunities for Rural Areas
This question was the focus of a specialist event organised by the Agrarsoziale Gesellschaft e.V., which brought different perspectives on the transformation of the energy system to the fore. The emphasis was on the social, ecological and economic potential that can emerge for the regions concerned. The corresponding publication was also presented as part of the event.
In expert presentations, key topics were examined, including energy justice and democratic participation, the tension between nature conservation and biodiversity, and regional value creation through renewable energy. It became clear that the energy transition is not only a technical project, but a social process that must be actively shaped.
A special practical perspective was provided by Dirk Ketelsen, founder of the Dirkshof. He described the early days of community wind parks and showed how early participation models can strengthen public acceptance and keep value creation within the region. His experiences made it clear that where people can take part in decision-making and benefit financially, the energy transition becomes a community project.
The event highlighted the potential of rural areas – as places of innovation, participation and sustainable development.
