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How can the energy transition be successfully implemented in the region’s municipalities, and what role can collaboration with academia and research play in this process? These questions were the focus of a mayors’ breakfast at the Feuchtwangen Campus. Participants discussed current challenges, practical experiences, and potential future solutions.

Following opening remarks by Herbert Lindörfer of Förderkreis Campus Feuchtwangen e. V., Campus Coordinator Carlos Pfeiffer introduced Campus Feuchtwangen and the PRISMA research project. The project’s goal is to advance innovative and sustainable energy solutions for buildings and municipalities in collaboration with regional partners.

“The region already possesses a great deal of expertise and strong commitment. This is exactly where we want to build upon and develop new ideas together with municipalities, companies, and other stakeholders,” explained Carlos Pfeiffer. “For PRISMA, we are actively seeking collaborations and practical partners from the region, because the best solutions emerge through direct exchange with local people.”

The mayors generally assessed their municipalities’ progress on the energy transition as well advanced. Many municipalities already have ground-mounted photovoltaic systems, wind power, local heating networks, municipal heat planning, or biogas plants. At the same time, it became clear that each municipality faces its own challenges.

In the subsequent discussion, themed “How can the campus provide support?”, participants raised their topics and concerns. Among the issues discussed were the energy-efficient renovation of municipal buildings, support for regional businesses, the future of biogas and photovoltaic systems following the phase-out of EEG subsidies, and improved integration of renewable energy sources.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Haresh Vaidya then presented the opportunities offered by the Feuchtwangen Campus to provide scientific guidance to municipalities and support them in evaluating measures. He also provided information about the renovation decision-making tool for building owners planned as part of the PRISMA project.

During the subsequent discussion, initial contacts were made and ideas for joint projects were discussed. “The discussions showed that there is a strong willingness among municipalities to take the initiative. Now it’s time to pool our experiences and work together on the solutions of tomorrow,” said Carlos Pfeiffer, drawing a positive conclusion.

The mayors’ breakfast highlighted how important dialogue between municipalities, academia, and regional partners is for jointly advancing the energy transition.