This year’s Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, themed “Accelerating the Global Energy Transition,” was an inspiring incubator for international collaboration. Joining leaders and experts within the energy sector, CHB gained valuable insights on how to translate COP28 targets into concrete action. The event also fostered a dynamic network, connecting CHB with diverse stakeholders who share our commitment to a sustainable energy future.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck kicked off the conference with keynote speeches underscoring the importance of addressing the dangers of climate change. Minister Baerbock encouraged attendees to rethink investments in energy distribution, in order to ensure that there is even access to funding for both industrialised and unindustrialised countries. Minister Habeck underlined the importance of tapping into new energies and looking for alternative ways of generating energy.
The various speeches and panel discussions featured influential figures like bestselling author and Chairwoman of the Sauti Kuu Foundation Dr Auma Obama, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy Honourable Tom K. Alweendo and South Africa’s Green Hydrogen Lead in the Investment and Infrastructure Office in the President’s Office Masopha Moshoeshoe. They provided an in-depth analysis of critical energy transition issues. From the urgent need for expanded renewable energy infrastructure, to the integration of digital technologies for enhanced energy sufficiency, to the importance of having an inclusive attitude towards raising awareness, the conference rendered a holistic approach to a successful energy transition.
Dr Obama delivered a compelling speech in which she stressed the important role of Africa in the energy transition, ‘It is important that we include everyone as we build a holistic and clean energy system that allows everyone to participate, not only experts. We have been introduced to many different layers of this change, but one layer that I don’t hear about is ‘behaviour.’ We want the world to change, without changing ourselves. These dialogues tend to favour the West. We need to work together and join hands. We need to go back to our roots and achieve change on a global level. When you talk about renewable energy and change in your dialogues, please take Africa seriously!’
Green Hydrogen emerged as a major focus, sparking enlightening and fruitful conversations about its potential as the main clean energy alternative. Particularly insightful were the advancements made by countries such as Namibia, Angola, and Brazil in their green hydrogen initiatives, as well as their readiness to collaborate with Germany.
The BETD went beyond just panel discussions and speeches. It served as a springboard for creative expression and ignited the potential for collaborative endeavours. CHB took the opportunity to participate in guided tours at the Urban Tech Republic and EUREF Campus in Berlin, where innovative start-ups are tackling energy challenges head-on. It was motivating to see their passion and creativity firsthand. These young companies are developing solutions that promote energy efficiency through technology, proving the importance of fresh ideas in the energy transition. Of particular interest for CHB, were Schneider Electric and GASAG Solution Plus AG. Schneider’s showroom at the EUREF Campus showcases their innovations in energy-efficient buildings, e-mobility and micro smart grids, while GASAG not only supplies the whole campus with clean energy, but also displays the various concepts for clean energy provision through hydrogen, solar and bio-methane. Both companies exemplify the kind of innovation CHB is interested in.
This conference served as a reminder that CHB is on the right track with its vision of investing in the future. CHB looks forward to participating in many more dialogues in the future.