The German energy transition and the eroding consensus on ecological modernization: A radical democratic perspective on conflicts over competing justice claims and energy visions

Abstract

This paper makes a threefold contribution to reflecting on the German energy transition (Energiewende). First, the shaping of the Energiewende by national government policies is analyzed. The prevailing focus on questions about technology (promotion and acceptance) is interpreted as symptomatic of the depoliticizing paradigm of ecological modernization. However, the consensus on the ecomodern approach is eroding, as evidenced by increasing conflicts over the implementation of the Energiewende. Second, competing justice claims and energy visions that are articulated in these conflicts as well as the related disaffection with present democratic institutions and their performance are elaborated. Third, the insights gained on conflicts over concrete energy projects are discussed in the light of democratic theory. Thereby, it is argued that a one-sided orientation towards the deliberative democracy model further exacerbates the tendencies of disaffection with democratic institutions. From a radical democratic perspective, the key to constructively addressing both climate and democratic challenges is to foster confrontation between competing Energiewende visions. Agonistic politics could, in the best case, open up the political scope for ambitious energy visions beyond the realm of ecological modernization and, at the same time, counteract disenchantment with politics.