May 31, 2017

New Energy for Africa
Co-operative – Decentralized – Renewable
27 June 2017
Haus der DZ BANK, Pariser Platz 3, 10117 Berlin

An energy supply that is decentralized and citizen-friendly is an important element of the “Cornerstones of a Marshall Plan with Africa” presented by Federal Development Minister Dr. Gerd Müller in January 2017. Decentralized energy solutions can make a fast and effective contribution to energy supply in rural areas in Africa. They also promote economic development and generate urgently needed jobs, new income and regional added value. A decentralized energy supply based on renewable energy is both an opportunity and a challenge for Africa.

In Germany, civil engagement is part of the success story of our energy system transformation. Citizens, municipalities and regional stakeholders have not only accelerated the development of renewable energies but also ensured broad acceptance among the population. It is the 850 energy co-operatives that have been founded in the past 10 years that allow active public participation.

Can the know-how of German cooperatives – particularly in the field of renewable energy – be used for cooperation with our African partners? Can positive experiences with the decentralized energy transition be shared with African partner countries? How can cooperatives, municipalities and other decentralized actors get involved in a common effort with Africa?

These and other questions will be discussed at the congress “New Energy for Africa: Co-operative – Decentralized – Renewable”.

Agenda

From 9.00 a.m.:        Admission and registration of participants
10.00 – 10.10 a.m.:  Introduction: Cooperatives Promote Sustainable Development
                                      Dr. Eckhard Ott, CEO, German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation
10.10 – 10.30 a.m.:  Africa, Continent of Opportunities: Energy as a Driver of Development
                                      Dr. Gerd Müller, German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development
10.30 – 10.50 a.m.:  Uganda: Energy and Development
                                       Irene Muloni (tbc), Minister for Energy and Raw Materials, Uganda
10.50 – 11.05 a.m.:  Decentralized, Citizen-Friendly Energy Production in Development Cooperation
                                      Dr. Christoph Beier, Vice-Chair of the Management Board, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
11.05 – 11.15 a.m.:  Opportunities of Productive Energy Use in Rural Areas
                                       Peter Pichler, Independent Development Consultant with GaiaAfrica
11.15 – 12.30 p.m.:  Discussion: Cooperatives and Municipalities – Partners for Africa
                                      Josef Göppel, Member of the German Parliament
                                      Katharina Habersbrunner, Board of the Bürgerenergiegenossenschaft BENG eG
                                      Manuel de Araújo, Mayor of Quelimane, Mozambique
                                      Günter Mögele, 2nd Mayor of Wildpoldsried
                                      Serge Etoundi, entrepreneur in the solar industry from Cameroon
                                      Moderation: Dr. Tania Rödiger-Vorwerk, Deputy Director General at Directorate 31 – Environment and Infrastructure, Federal Ministry for Economic    Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

12.30 – 2.00 p.m.: Lunch

 2.00 – 3.00 p.m.:  Workshops:
                                  Energy Dialogue with Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
                                  Forum 1: Energy Cooperatives – Energy Dialogue
                                  Forum 2: Municipalities – Cooperatives – Municipal Companies
                                  Forum 3: New Energy – Decentralized Energy

 3.00 – 3.15 p.m.:  Closing Remarks
                                  Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

 3.15 – 4.00 p.m.:  Ending with coffee & cake

Participation is free. The number of participants is limited.

The conference language will be German. German will be translated simultaneously into English.

Please register (using the German link) here 

Share this Story: