© giz/Matjaz Tancic
The 'Energiewende' touring the globe
Around the world, people want to know: How exactly does the energy transition create jobs and maintain prosperity? How can we transform our energy supply and account for the rising share of energy from wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy? And if Germany can transform its energy supply – will other countries be able to do the same?
In order to provide answers to these questions, Germany has launched a road show on the German energy transition. In the context of this road show, Germany advertises the merits of its energy transition along 20 interactive displays, describes milestones in its energy policy and invites people to engage in a dialogue on moving towards a more sustainable energy supply worldwide.
All eyes on Germany’s energy transition
Germany has made the decision to improve energy efficiency, expand renewables and phase out nuclear energy. Countries around the world therefore see it as a role model in terms of transforming a country’s energy supply. The results achieved are quite impressive. In 2015, renewables accounted for one third of Germany’s electricity supply. By 2050, this share is to reach 80 per cent. In addition to this, Germany will phase out all of its nuclear power plants by 2022.
The ‘Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue’ which was held in Berlin this March has made it very clear that countries around the world are following Germany’s ambitious energy policy very closely. The conference brought together ministers and more than 1,000 delegates from over 70 nations to discuss ways in which the energy transition can be implemented at global level. The road show is to build on the goals set out during the ‘Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue’.
What will be on display?
The road show was devised by the Foreign Office in conjunction with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. It features a timeline along which events that have played a key role for Germany’s energy transition are indicated – from the oil crisis of the 1970s up until today. There are a number of columns protruding up from the floor. Each column offers information on a special subject linked to the energy transition – with a particular focus on energy efficiency, security of supply, renewables and phasing out nuclear energy. Visitors are invited to come and use them to find out more about these subjects. As part of the road show, visitors can also watch several films, use an interactive media station and take a quiz to discover more about mobility and the impact that the energy transition is having on Germany’s economy.
Next stop: Cape Town
The road show will be on display in Cape Town between 20 May and 9 June, and will then move on to San Francisco, where it will be exhibited from 1 to 3 July. The road show officially kicked off in Beijing at the beginning of April, and then moved on to Belgrade, where it was exhibited until 25 April.