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Solar Hero Dr. Hermann Scheer Dies

By Jackie Jones
October 15, 2010 | 8 Comments

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Often regarded as 'father of the feed-in tariff', Dr Hermann Scheer was a pioneer in renewable energy and the news of his death, which was confirmed this morning, will shock many in the renewable energy sector and beyond.

Hermann Scheer was able to see beyond the energy status quo and envisage a different energy future. A Social Democrat member of the German parliament since 1980, Scheer was instrumental in introducing Germany’s solar roof programmes and Renewable Energy Law (which included the feed-in tariff).

A true “thought-leader”, Hermann Scheer campaigned — with enormous personal energy — not only through his political work but also through his writings (books such as The Solar Manifesto and The Solar Economy) and his film (The Fourth Revolution — Energy Autonomy), as well as by pushing for the establishment of organisations to give renewable energy a greater status: not least Eurosolar and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), for which Scheer fought many years to establish.

As a figure on the international stage, Hermann Scheer took his innovative thinking throughout and beyond Europe, not only as a speaker at many renewable energy events but in the offices of political leaders.

Hermann Scheer 29 April 1944 — 14 October 2010

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8 Reader Comments

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bcurro

October 15, 2010

My deepest Condolences

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StephenLacey

October 15, 2010

Jackie -- thanks for this remembrance. There are a million things we could say about the man and his contribution to the industry.

I learned of the news yesterday at the Solar Power International conference in LA. I met up with Michael Eckhart of ACORE to speak with him about Hermann's career. We will be featuring a piece in our upcoming podcast.

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ralph-sims

October 17, 2010

The world needs people with a personal like Hermann. His mission, to get greater worldwide deployment of Renewables, resulted in huge strides forward being made over the past 2-3 decades, partly as a result of his personal drive and commitment. Let us hope that IRENA will be able to continue this progress in the future as a suitable tribute to Hermann's efforts over thesae many years. His vision will continue, even though he will be sorely missed by the Renewable Energy community wordlwide.

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elizabeth-block-137167

October 18, 2010

Jackie, thank you for your tribute to Hermann Scheer. I had the pleasure of hearing him speak at an EREC conf. a few years ago and was disappointed a few weeks ago when he due to speak in London but could not make it.

As you said, he was a visionary on renewable energy. We can only honour his memory by going forward with his work as our inspriration. I am so sorry about his loss. It is a very great loss for all of us in this sector.

Elizabeth Block

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reeitan

October 19, 2010

I knew Herman Scheer in person. For many of us he was the leader of the new RE world. His books are masterpieces and his influence is global.

Herman was the main Guest for the Eilat renewable energy conference 2010. His contribution will always be remembered.

Eitan Parnass, founder
renewable energy assocaition of Israel

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paritoshnandi

October 20, 2010

Its great loss for Renewable Energy Community worldwide. My deepest condolences.

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vineland_ca

October 20, 2010

Dr. Scheer did great work for the advancement of renewable energy in Europe and indeed, worldwide. Those benefiting from the Province of Ontario (Canada)'s Feed in Tariff Program owe much gratitude to him, as do I. He was a great visionary.

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onegreenday

October 24, 2010

Great interview with Mr. Scheer.
Wonderful , forward thinker.

http://www.democracynow.org/2010/10/15/hermann_scheer_1944_2010_german_lawmaker

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