Fact-checking myths about the energy transition

We separate reality from fiction - using facts not gut feelings

Energy transition – let’s talk facts, not myths

The transition to renewable energy is one of the most hotly debated topics of our time – and wherever there is heated discussion, myths and misinformation aren’t far behind.

Renewables are often claimed to be unaffordable, or they jeopardise energy security. Likewise, doubts are regularly raised about whether wind power and environmental protection are mutually compatible.

Remarkably, many of these claims are persistent. The myths spread on social media and they are picked up regularly in discussions and therefore shape people’s opinions – even if science has long debunked them.

This is why we have looked at the most common myths surrounding the energy transition – and put them through a comprehensive fact check. Our approach: Rather than going with gut feelings or hearsay, we examine the available data, scientific studies and reliable sources.

The result: Many perceived ‘truths’ turn out to be misconceptions with no foundation in fact.

Scanning

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Fact-checking

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Contextualisation

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Evaluation

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The claim: climate protection harms nature

A common criticism in the debate on the energy transition is that those who advocate climate protection inevitably harm the environment. The argument sounds intuitive at first: wind turbines kill birds that fly into them, offshore wind farms force porpoises out of their habitats, and solar panels destroy precious soil. However, as appealing and emotionally resonant as these claims may be, do they align with reality?

We interrogated these myths, compared studies, analysed figures, and asked experts. The findings reveal that the truth is much more complex – and often more surprising – than the blunt headlines suggest. Some myths are simply false, some exaggerated. Others do have a grain of truth but are misinterpreted.

Renewable energy at the expense of wildlife?

We fact check common myths about wind power, birds and marine mammals.

Read more

The future is renewable

RWE generates renewable energy from sunshine, wind on land and at sea, water, and biomass. As a global leader in renewables, we’re driving the energy transition in over 20 countries, aiming for climate neutrality by 2040.

To achieve this goal, RWE is investing billions of euros in expanding its generation portfolio, in particular in offshore and onshore wind, solar energy and batteries.

Learn more about the many ways sustainable electricity is generated, and what RWE is doing in these areas.

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