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The world is tackling the global Energiewende – Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue 2024

Decision-makers from business, politics and society from more than 100 countries will come together at the BETD.

Decision-makers from business, politics and society from more than 100 countries will come together at the BETD., © Florian Gaertner/photothek.de

19.03.2024 - Article

For ten years now, the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD) has been providing the global Energiewende with fresh impetus. Delegations from more than 50 countries will meet on 19 and 20 March to discuss how to make our energy systems climate neutral quickly.

The (business) world is undergoing profound change. The markets of the future will not be based on oil and gas but on renewable energies and green hydrogen. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has also made plain to us that the energy transition is about more than just climate action – it is also about our security because fossil fuels make many countries in the world dependent and vulnerable. Here, it is clear that for the global energy transition to succeed, we need more international cooperation.

The 10th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue is being held at the Federal Foreign Office on 19 and 20 March. It has established itself internationally as a central energy transition platform for dialogue between governments, business and civil society. Hence the tremendous response with many ministers attending, for example from Namibia, Oman, Uruguay and Bangladesh.

Driving the global energy transition forward

Panel discussion at the opening of the 10th edition of the BETD 
Panel discussion at the opening of the 10th edition of the BETD© Florian Gaertner/photothek.de

The Climate Change Conference in Dubai (COP28) heralded the end of the fossil fuel era and underscored that renewables are the global solution when it comes to climate action and climate justice. The international community agreed to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030 and double the annual energy efficiency growth rate within the same period. It is all about sharing ideas and experiences, discussing best practices and opportunities of the energy transition and forging energy partnerships to bring about an environmentally responsible, safe and affordable global energy transition. Discussions will also focus on how to finance the global energy transition, on phasing-out coal-based power, decarbonising industry, on skilled workers and sustainability. Decision-makers from business, politics and society from more than 100 countries will come together at the BETD.

Renewable energy as an economic opportunity

Three participants of the BETD talking to each other
50 countries will meet on 19 and 20 March to discuss how to make our energy systems climate neutral quickly.© photothek

Around the globe, work on new technologies and solutions for the energy transition is ongoing. The development of a clean and efficient energy supply is being driven forward not only by climate action goals but also for economic reasons. Even today, renewable energies are, for the most part, the cheapest energy source available worldwide. We can learn a lot from our global partners because the energy transition provides a tremendous opportunity to fundamentally modernise our economy. It triggers considerable investment which translates into value added and jobs. Many of the countries involved in the BETD are striding forth boldly. Uruguay, for example, is even today managing to generate up to 98% of its electricity from renewable sources. Many other countries in Latin America have also embarked on an ambitious path to transition their electricity supply. BETD24 is holding a special panel to look at lessons learned there.

You can consult the latest conference programme and watch a livestream of the BETD24 at the website www.energydialogue.berlin .

The conference language is English.

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