We modelled potential regional energy landscapes that can be derived from the two-degree target and visualised them based on Geographical Information Systems by using five scenarios involving changes to the planning guidelines. The analyses reveal that the development of a carbon-neutral energy system is possible. Yet the potential spatial patterns of renewable energies differ considerably.

The study analyses the social dimensions of energy landscapes. Furthermore, it will be discussed whether and how energy landscapes can be distinguished from other landscapes. It becomes clear that infrastructure measures for climate protection only appear socially viable if the production of sustainable energy landscapes is understood as the production of a discourse about sustainability, equality, and justice.

The aim of the study is to identify the essential parameters of a sustainable expansion of renewable energies from the diversity of potential influencing factors and to illustrate them based on a regional case study. The analyses reveal the great regional assertiveness of photovoltaics, whereby wind energy can assert itself due to social parameters also at some locations, particularly in the central part of the study area, against the economically often better positioned photovoltaics.

By now, there are numerous high-quality studies discussing the incompatibility of the development of renewable energies with the preservation of landscape. However, no further insight is provided as to how a holistic spatial integration of renewable energies may be achieved. Therefore, this study aims to critically investigate the currently established paradigm of site planning for renewable energies using GIS analysis.