* Herrmann Scheer (1944-2010) / Photo by Armin Kübelbeck

Sad news this time in our Energy Union blog: Hermann Scheer, one of the world’s leading advocates for solar power, has died at the age of sixty-six. He passed away October 14, 2010. The German economist and politician helped make Germany a renewable energy powerhouse and inspired many across the world to expand the use of solar power. Scheer had been member of the German Parliament for three decades and was the president of EUROSOLAR, the European Association for Renewable Energy. In 1999, he won the Right Livelihood Award for his "indefatigable work for the promotion of solar energy worldwide." When he received the award, he described solar energy as the energy of the people.

Jakob von Uexkull, the founder of the Right Livelihood Award, said on Friday, quote, "Hermann Scheer has been the world’s most powerful advocate for renewable energy during the last two decades. His personal commitment and his incomparable campaigning spirit will continue to encourage many policy-makers, experts and citizens around the world to fight for a world without fossil fuel or nuclear.

TIME magazine named Hermann Scheer "Hero for the Green Century."

One of the last interviews he gave was for the daily independent news hour Democracy Now! in Bonn, Germany, at the thirtieth anniversary of the Right Livelihood Awards. Check out the video here, it's a must see.

Hermann Scheer also supported the Energy Union project and was a guest at the tour event in Munich in 2009.

The Energy Union team expresses condolences and is committed to continue to push for Intelligent and Renewable Energy. Hermann Scheer was an inspiration for all of us and will be greatly missed!

His legacy and passion will continue to be our motivation to work for positive change!