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Diocese of Trier starts green wave: New GmbH for solar and wind energy!
The Diocese of Trier founded DTE GmbH to promote wind and solar parks in order to achieve climate goals and additional income.
Diocese of Trier starts green wave: New GmbH for solar and wind energy!
Something is happening in the area of renewable energies in the diocese city of Trier. With the founding of “Diözese Trier Energie GmbH” (DTE), a groundbreaking step towards greater climate protection and sustainable energy production is being taken. Markus Schlich, climate protection manager and managing director of DTE, explained this on Thursday. This refers to participation in wind and solar parks, combined with modern battery storage, which should contribute to the expansion of the energy infrastructure in the coming years. The goal is clear: climate neutrality by 2045 and creating new sources of income for the parishes, which also secures financial resources for future projects. Cathedral radio reported.
What does that actually look like? DTE plans to install photovoltaic systems on church buildings. Systems are currently in operation at four of the diocese's 20 schools and in six parishes. An economic advantage: DTE will only implement projects for which a market rate of return can be expected. Surpluses from these projects should then be distributed to the parishes in solidarity and for a specific purpose. Through these measures, the Diocese of Trier not only wants to contribute to environmental protection, but also strengthen the community.
A strong network
The Diocese of Trier is a pioneer in the Catholic sector in Germany when it comes to such business models. Church communities are involved in the planning from the very beginning, and investors actively approach them to use land for the projects. However, long-term rental agreements of up to 30 years must be approved by the diocese. Applications for approval go through the service office in the Episcopal Vicariate General. Here everything is regulated under the four-eyes principle, as Markus Schlich makes clear.
DTE also clearly has its sights set on the use of open spaces for wind turbines and solar parks. A double strategy is being pursued: on the one hand, ensuring a constant energy supply for the parishes, and on the other hand, using resources responsibly. Land owned by the diocese should also be used for this purpose.
The big overview
In order to take a look at the current challenges of the church's environmental policy, it is worth comparing with other churches. For example, the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) has adopted a climate protection policy with the goal of net greenhouse gas neutrality by 2035. Other regional churches also set similar goals, with many wanting to reduce emissions to zero by 2045. In this respect, DTE's commitment is part of a larger trend that many religious institutions recognize: responsibility for the planet and future generations.
While the Diocese of Trier is playing a pioneering role, other church institutions also have to face climate change and consider how they can make their own energy concepts sustainable. Markus Schlich and his team are aware that the correct use of limited energy resources not only has economic aspects, but also represents a moral responsibility towards creation.
The Diocese of Trier wants to show that with a good hand it can advance the energy transition and not lose sight of its own values. Further developments are eagerly awaited.