Study Towards a Global Energy Transformation Bärbel Kofler And Nina Netzer(Eds.) Christiane Beuermann, Lukas Hermwille, Jan Burck, Boris Schinke and Franziska Marten June 2014 n Our energy system is in a crisis: The centuries-long dependence on fossil fuels has led to serious environmental damage, as well as centralized production, distribution, and ownership structures from which only few benefit. At the same time, large parts of the world population have no access to electricity. n Therefore, we need a global energy transformation. We must move away from fossil and nuclear energy sources, towards 100 per cent renewable energy, a decentral­ized and locally managed supply, increased efficiency, and a reduction in absolute consumption. However, an energy transformation will not happen without friction, because ownership and power structures have to be fundamentally restructured. n Only rarely are there immutable facts or technical conflicts that impede or even prevent the expansion of renewable energy. Instead, long-established structures and elites problematize the challenges of an energy transformation and sustain the existing system and their own(market) power with corresponding narratives. The success of an energy transformation will depend on whether a broad alliance of civil society, politics, science, and industry develops a convincing alternative and positive narratives – and implements them against resistances.