Innovative products and markets for sustainable growth Dr. agr. Elke Knappe Leibniz-Institute for Regional Geography, Leipzig Session 2: Innovative products and markets for sustainable growth Deckblatt Moving to a low carbon economy

Pros and Cons of different sources potential efficiency Environ-mental effects Regional effects water high High/ middle low Wind sun wood biogas

The Aim: low carbon economy Renewable energy sources: Water, sun, wind Wood, plants, organic residues, waste

Biomass as a local resource and part of regional economic cycles

Rural areas: Renewable energy sources Structural changes Diversification Competition Regional economy cycles Low income Higher income Less attractiveness Innovation Shrinking villages Employment

Wood Tradional use New: Short –time-plantations (1 Millon ha field set aside) Problems: Competition Many owners with very small plots

Biogas Innovative, good profit Many different products Problem: use of heat New: Biomethan

Conclusions Importance of renewable energy sources seems clear but: Lack of information in rural areas Support systems not homogeneous Weak international cooperation Role of innovation Knowledge transfer

Network RegioSustain First results: Planning of a new power plant (wood pellets) in the „Little triangle“