From Dare Akogun, Berlin
President of the German Renewable Energy Federation, BEE, Dr. Simone Peter, has advocated for the need to decentralize energy transition, particularly in Africa.
Speaking during a side event at the ongoing Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue themed:”Addressing the implications of COP28 on renewable businesses”, she said the further acceleration of the energy transition is key for reaching the Paris climate goals.
Calling for a bold and future-oriented approach, she said a bold and future oriented local approach is needed in all countries with the goal to develop 100 % Renewable Energy in the next two decades, without new fossil or nuclear subsidies.
She said wind and solar were once again leading the charge for renewables in Germany, constituting 52% of the gross electricity supply and impacting various sectors.
“The expansion of renewables in Germany is once again taking on a significant dynamic, especially in the areas of photovoltaics and wind power.
“With a share of 52% of gross electricity supply, these technologies are system-defining and have an increasingly cross-sectoral impact,” she said.
Dr. Peters also emphasized the need for adapting to a new electricity market design, enhancing network infrastructure, and establishing a flexible backup system comprising biomass, hydropower, geothermal energy, storage systems, and sector coupling.
“In this way, Germany is taking a first important step in meeting its commitment to support the COP28 resolution towards a tripling of the expansion of renewable by 2030,” she said.
Dr. Peter who emphasized the need for financing to propel the global energy transition, particularly in the global south.
“The industry is calling for more ambitious initiatives, binding targets and concrete measures in order to win over the private sector for the necessary investment offensives.
“We need financing to move the global energy transition especially in the global south,” she said.
