ENERGY IN ITS MOST BEAUTIFUL FORM
The Bayreuth bio-energy region is one of the 25 model regions which are planning to build networks for expanding bio-energy with the financial support of government funding. The selection took place by means of a competition, for which 210 regions applied.
The unique feature of the Bayreuth concept is the linking of the bio-energy specialist ventures with the “energy-in-art” art project. Energy works of art will be providing an incentive to examine the topic with different eyes and without prejudice. Particularly in view of the fact that art sees the world in an explicitly subjective and personal manner, but also sometimes distorted and extreme, it may trigger public debate on the rethinking of energy.
Specialist ventures:
In the Bayreuth bio-energy region, seven specialist bio-energy ventures are being networked and symbolically linked through the “energyinart – Bio-energy | Information | Network | Art” art project. This unusual interaction between bio-energy projects and the field of art and culture presents the topic of bio-energy in a spectacular and informative manner to the world. energyinart forms the link within an overall concept for environmentally-compatibly exploiting the regional bio-energy potential.
1. Energy exploitation of organic waste and residual materials
2. Increasing the efficiency of bio-gas systems
3. Trialling the prudent coexistence of agriculture, bio-energy and nature conservation
4. Bio-energy utilisation in period buildings
5. Communal information system “Renewable Energies”
6. Environmental education information network focusing on bio-energy-edutainment
7. Research on ecologically-compatible energy plants
With this, the Bayreuth Region hopes to increase the demand for bio-energy, make bio-energy generation more environmentally-friendly and increase awareness and information on the topic within the public arena. The projects can increase the ratio of bio-energy in the energy consumption for private households from currently 18% to 53%. This will create new jobs and tap into value added of least € 50 million annually.
“Art is energy – in its most beautiful form” (Michael Weisser)
In all, 25 works of art or artistic designs will be created throughout the Bayreuth region close to bio-energy facilities and projects. These will be created by internationally-renowned artists, newcomers and regional artists, initiatives and educational facilities.
Agriculture and forestry make up 89% of the region’s total area. And the bio-energy potential is correspondingly high – although it is currently only being exploited to around one-third of its total potential. The concept for the Bayreuth bio-energy region encompasses tapping into, and exploiting, this potential as comprehensively as possible, but only insofar as permitted by environmental protection concerns, sustainability and the social compatibility. Based on this concept, the Bayreuth bio-energy region is pursuing three interwoven main objectives (see Figure).
The proposed projects will reduce regional carbon dioxide emissions by 260,000 tons a year and increase the regionally-generated ratio of bio-energy in private household consumer consumption from currently 18% to 53%. This secures and/or creates new jobs. Exploiting the bio-energy potential for energy could generate value added of approx. € 50 million per year. The installation of bio-mass heating facilities could trigger investment totalling € 560 million in the long term. Further value-added effects are anticipated as the result of the construction of bio-energy plants, for example.