New Research Center in Kassel - hessenschau.de

Why the Energy Transition Will Also Be Decided in People’s Minds

How can the energy transition succeed without losing public support? This is one of the questions being explored by a new research centre at the University of Kassel. Art and culture are also expected to play a role.

The energy transition is far more than a technological project: according to the premise of a new research centre in Kassel, it will only succeed with the support of the public.

The Käte Hamburger Kolleg, entitled “Resource Worlds – Cultures in Transition”, began its work back in August and has now been officially opened.

Over the coming years, researchers from various countries and academic disciplines will investigate how natural resources shape society and what changes the energy transition is likely to bring.

The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is providing €20 million for this first-of-its-kind research centre in the state of Hesse. There are seven other such centres across Germany, each focusing on very different topics.

The Energy Transition Also Triggers Fears

The Resource Worlds research centre in Kassel is jointly headed by Mi You, Professor of Art and Economics, and Hans-Jürgen Burchardt, Professor of International Politics.

The sign beside the entrance to the building on Wilhelmshöher Allee is still made of paper, and electricians are putting the finishing touches to the interior. Nevertheless, research is already underway.

You and Burchardt agree that the energy transition is generally viewed as a technological challenge. Discussions tend to focus on topics such as electric mobility, photovoltaic systems, heat pumps and green hydrogen.

For the researchers at the Käte Hamburger Kolleg, however, questions of fear, identity and public acceptance are equally central to the debate.

Seven researchers from France, Austria, Singapore and Canada are involved in the project. They share, for example, experiences from their respective countries concerning the social and environmental consequences of electrification and resource extraction.

In Search of a Compelling Narrative

“The energy transition means a complete transformation of our lifestyles,” Burchardt explained, adding that it therefore represents a profound societal shift. It will change not only the way energy is supplied, but also housing, mobility and many everyday social and cultural practices.

Both researchers are convinced that every energy era needs a compelling narrative. Even the transition from coal to gas had to be communicated and explained politically.

Advertising, in particular, plays a major role, Burchardt explained. For decades, he said, advertising has helped present combustion engines and cars not merely as technological products, but also as status symbols.

Art and culture are at the forefront when it comes to understanding progress and development, You emphasised. As an example, she cited Kim Stanley Robinson’s novel The Ministry for the Future.

According to You, the book demonstrates how literature can make political ideas accessible to a broad audience. It tells the story of an institution intended to bring together countries around the world to combat climate change.

Charging Stations Instead of Fuel Rebates

According to Burchardt, however, most of the scope for action still lies with policymakers. In this context, he criticises the fuel tax rebate. A total of €2.5 billion in taxpayers’ money is being spent over three months on a measure that achieves nothing, he argues. “It fizzles out, and then nothing happens.” In his view, the billions should instead have been invested in better charging infrastructure for electric cars.

The €9 public transport ticket introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic proved far more effective, he argues. It cost the government the same amount over three months. According to Burchardt, the ticket led to “an enormous increase in the popularity of public transport”.

“People Mainly Feel the Burden”

Policymakers must take people’s fears seriously and offer solutions that work well, Burchardt said. At present, people mainly feel that they are being burdened. Germany, however, has sufficient financial resources to meet the challenges it faces.

The real problem lies in energy and resource policy. The necessary measures, such as wind power and solar energy, are well known, but they are not being communicated convincingly enough.

Research Aimed at Creating a “Positive Vision of the Future”

At the official opening ceremony of the research centre at the Kassel State Theatre, the scientists were not the only ones looking ahead to the next twelve years with anticipation.

Kassel’s Mayor, Sven Schoeller (Green Party), emphasised that the institute would strengthen the university’s international profile and represent “a positive vision of the future”.

In a video message to guests at the theatre, Hesse’s Minister for Science, Timon Gremmels (Social Democratic Party, SPD), described the Käte Hamburger Kolleg as a catalyst for cutting-edge research at the University of Kassel. He also highlighted its interesting links to next year’s documenta contemporary art exhibition. Gremmels described the centre’s interdisciplinary approach as “pioneering”.

University President Ute Clement emphasised the importance of the Kolleg not only for the wider university landscape, but also for everyone living in Kassel. The academic work of the international researchers would also benefit students through a range of teaching opportunities. Furthermore, cooperation with the documenta Institute and the State Theatre would help bring the research into the wider community, Clement explained.

That is why the centre’s director, Burchardt, is preparing to take the plunge into unfamiliar territory. On 22 October, at the Fridericianum art venue, he will present his perspectives on politics and the economy as a theatrical performance combining drama and academic research.

As he points out, this will be the first time in his life that he has appeared as an actor. “I’m already nervous.”

Broadcast: hr INFO, 15.10.26, 07:18 Uhr 

source: hessenschau.de/Sina Philipps