The Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD) 2025 has drawn to a successful close, leaving the CHB team energized by the thought-provoking panel discussions. Over the past few days, a dynamic exchange unfolded as world leaders, pioneering industry figures, and visionary innovators collaborated to navigate the complex landscape of sustainable energy, tackling pressing challenges and showcasing groundbreaking solutions.
During the ‘Fast-Tracking Africa’s Economic Growth with Renewable Energy’ panel, Alex Wachira, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Energy, and Dr. Rebecca Maserumule, Programme Director at JET IP Green Hydrogen PMO among other panelists, articulated strategic pathways for Africa’s energy transition. Wachira highlighted Kenya’s exemplary renewable energy portfolio, with over 90% of electricity derived from clean sources, and its potential to drive continental economic advancement. Maserumule emphasized green hydrogen’s role in fostering industrialization and creating export opportunities, attracting significant foreign direct investment.
Securing adequate financing for the energy transition emerged as a defining theme at the conference, with a strong consensus on the need for strategic infrastructure investments, enabling policy environments, and enhanced international cooperation. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, in her keynote address, articulated a vision of global partnership, reiterating Germany’s commitment to supporting clean energy initiatives in Africa, Asia, and Latin America through policy guidance, technology sharing, and financial mobilization. However, Kevin Kariuki, Vice President of the African Development Bank, injected a note of urgency, specifically addressing the African context. He highlighted the continent’s untapped renewable energy resources, juxtaposed with the alarmingly low levels of investment it receives. Kariuki’s remarks underscored the critical need for more equitable financial flows, arguing that without substantial investment, Africa’s vast potential for sustainable energy development will remain unrealized, hindering global progress towards a clean energy future.
While acknowledging the current hurdles of high costs and infrastructure development, panelists in the discussion on Green Hydrogen Infrastructure offered a compellingly optimistic outlook. They drew a parallel to the early stages of solar and wind energy, reassuring stakeholders that green hydrogen’s trajectory will follow a similar path of cost reduction. Just as economies of scale, technological breakthroughs, and supportive policies transformed renewables from niche to mainstream, panelists anticipate these factors will drive down green hydrogen prices. This historical precedent provides vital reassurance to investors, suggesting a robust return on long-term investment. Moreover, they highlighted the burgeoning global demand and evolving regulatory incentives, signaling a significant acceleration in hydrogen deployment and substantial growth opportunities.
Beyond the insightful discussions, BETD 2025 proved to be an invaluable networking platform and we look forward to attending many such events in the future.
