Evaluating the Socio-Economic Impact of Germany’s Transition to Renewable Energy (Energiewende): Perspectives from Renewable Energy Experts

Background: Germany's pioneering energy policy, the Energiewende, seeks to fundamentally transform its energy landscape by shifting from conventional fossil fuels to renewable sources.Aim: This current study examined the economic and social impact of Germany’s transition to renewable energy (Energiewende) since it officially started in 2000 when the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG – Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz) was passed.Method: Data was collected from nine renewable energy experts using semi-structured interviews. The views of the diverse experts were analyzed using a thematic approach.Results: The findings indicate that early policy instruments and subsidy schemes were critical in accelerating renewable energy deployment and improving cost competitiveness, especially for wind and solar technologies, though their relevance has evolved as the sector matured. Energy communities emerged as a central pillar of the transition, enhancing local participation, social acceptance, and socio-economic benefits through diverse ownership models. Economically, the Energiewende is widely perceived to have stimulated job creation, investment, and technological innovation, while also contributing to job losses in fossil fuel–dependent sectors, particularly coal. Social inequalities were identified as a significant challenge, driven by employment displacement and rising energy affordability concerns for low-income households. Public acceptance was found to vary by technology, with solar projects generally favored over wind due to noise-related concerns.Conclusion: This present research contributes to a more profound understanding of Germany's journey towards a green energy future and highlights the need for adaptive policy frameworks and socially inclusive strategies to support a just and sustainable energy transition.