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Shaping the transformation together: Germany’s bilateral energy partnerships
2024 clearly showed that even though global challenges are rising, new opportunities are opening up as well. Apart from multilateral fora such as COP30, bilateral energy partnerships and energy dialogues are key elements driving international cooperation, knowledge sharing and support for the energy transition. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has established energy partnerships with more than 30 countries. In 2024, these delivered tangible projects supporting progress towards a secure, climate-friendly and reliable energy supply of the future – in Germany and around the globe.
Laying the groundwork for a stable, secure and affordable energy supply
The 2024 report ‘Bilateral climate and energy partnerships and energy dialogues’ looks at success stories, developments and actions driving the global energy transition. It shows how the partnerships are laying the groundwork for a stable, secure and affordable energy supply, for deepening trade relations, and for decarbonising the economy in both Germany and the partner countries.
In 2024, almost 60% of Germany’s electricity came from wind, solar and biomass, whilst coal-fired power hit all-time low, at 22.8%. In order to continue this trend, Germany needs global alliances – whether it is on grid expansion, storage technology or the training of skilled labour – which hold great potential for both the German and international economy.
Germany’s global energy partnerships are based on long standing cooperation and mutual trust. They promote cooperation on climate action, the expansion of renewable energy and energy efficiency – with the focus always being placed on the climate targets of the partner countries. Steering group meetings, workshops, bilateral talks, delegation trips and virtual formats are held regularly and allow the partners to discuss the opportunities, challenges and strategies that exist.
Partnership dialogues, training, workshops and delegation trips
Upon this basis, an MoU is then concluded between Germany and the partner country setting out the objectives to be pursued under the energy partnership. Most energy partnerships are backed up by a secretariat – a dedicated team that supports the implementation of the partnership. Simultaneously, technical working groups and task forces help ensure a continuous, trusting dialogue between the partners from day one. The working groups also organise an annual energy day in the partner country and invite high-ranking officials to key conferences such as the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD). This helps foster dialogue between important stakeholders.
In 2024 alone, around 132 high-level dialogue sessions, 240 training sessions and workshops, and 55 delegation trips were organised as part of the 33 energy partnerships. In addition to this, 57 studies were published, which provided much food for thought for the 1,435 German and foreign companies connected through the energy partnerships.
Germany has energy partnerships with countries in southern Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, Oceania, the Middle East and North Africa. For more information you can consult the annual report or visit the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy’s website dedicated to the energy partnerships. The related LinkedIn channel provides ample opportunity to make new contacts.