Transformation processes in cities, villages and regions often focus on social and planning aspects that touch on socio-technical and socio-ecological issues. Two key topics are particularly relevant here:

1. Energy: the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is a fundamental and conflict-ridden transformation process. This involves not only different technologies and instruments, but also different social narratives and visions of the future. Relevant topics include the phase-out of coal, the construction of liquefied gas terminals, the expansion of renewable energies, the local heat transition, the development of storage technologies and aspects of sector coupling in relation to the mobility transition, among other things. The energy transition is leading to spatially uneven developments and combinations of ‘old’ and ‘new’ energy spaces, which can lead to social tensions.

2. Water: The climate crisis poses considerable challenges for spatial development actors, as serious changes in the regional water balance are becoming apparent. Longer dry spells in summer, more intense heavy rainfall events and more frequent flooding are to be expected. These developments require both regional and local adaptation measures. In scientific discussions, this is primarily addressed in the context of socio-ecological transformation, preventive risk management, resilience and technical, social and nature-based solutions.

The management of water and energy in transformation processes presents science, politics and planning with complex challenges that affect various sectors and different spatial levels. The three German lignite regions offer current examples and impetus for further development in other regions.

The lecture series, organised by three universities located in these regions and the BBSR’s Competence Centre for Regional Development in Cottbus, draws on a variety of practical and scientific experiences in the fields of ‘energy’ and ‘water’ from different contexts. Speakers from various regions, scientific disciplines and practical fields will give presentations. The lecture series serves to promote networking not only between universities and research institutions in the regions and federal departmental research, but also exchange between science and practice.