🎓Die Energiewende in deutschen Kommunen. Die finanziellen, politischen, rechtlichen und gesellschaftlichen Herausforderungen der kommunalen Energiewende im Kreis Kleve.

In Germany and Europe, the energy transition pursues the overarching goal of creating a climate-neutral, secure and economically viable energy supply. Germany has enshrined its goal of climate neutrality by 2045 in law. All levels of government face considerable challenges: rising investment requirements, a volatile regulatory framework and complex coordination processes between politics, business and society. Against this backdrop, the local authorities in the district of Kleve also face considerable financial, political, legal and societal challenges. Whilst ambitious climate targets require the expansion of renewable energy and the decarbonisation of local infrastructure, viable financing models and clear legal frameworks are often lacking; this is particularly true given the high level of volatility in federal and state regulation in recent years. This doctoral thesis by CHRISTIAN PETERS examines how, in the district of Kleve – which, with its 16 local authorities, has a predominantly rural structure – the energy transition can be efficiently managed despite the limited budgetary resources of the individual local authorities and the district itself, and develops practical solutions that combine economic viability with legal feasibility. The innovative contribution lies in combining an empirical cost analysis with an interdisciplinary assessment of options for local authority action.