The Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD) took place at the German Federal Foreign Office in Berlin from 29-30 March 2022. Foreign Minister Ms. Annalena Baerbock and Economic Affairs Minister Mr. Robert Habeck opened the 8th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD). Under the motto “From Ambition to Action”, ministers and high-level delegations from more than 50 countries held discussions with representatives from the business community, academia, and civil society. The global energy transition led to an increase in trade and a greater degree of interconnection between countries. One example of this can be found in the energy partnerships that Germany has formed with countries around the world.

Dr. Vadana Kumar, Joint Secretary, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India took part in a panel discussion on “Green Hydrogen – Powering the Offtakers” on 29 March. The key question was what economic factors will soon enable the cost-competitivity of green hydrogen. Dr. Kumar highlighted that demand creation is the key to the success of a green hydrogen economy. India is making tremendous efforts to drive green hydrogen policies, for example by implementing the National Hydrogen Mission. To reduce the costs of green hydrogen, scale and collaboration are imperative.

How can hydrogen be scaled up in a manner that benefits all stakeholders? Shri Alok Kumar, State Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Government of India participated in a discussion on “Hydrogen Diplomacy: Resetting Global Energy Relations?” on 29 March. He pointed out that international cooperation is key to the success of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is essential to achieve the twin objectives of energy security and energy transition.

Shri Kandikuppa Sreekant, Chairman & Managing Director, Powergrid India, joined a panel discussion on “Green Finance” on 30^th March. Mr. Sreekant highlighted that the Indian government will issue green bonds to generate additional funds for climate projects. However, he also pointed out potential hurdles for green financing in India. Different taxonomies are a challenge for cooperation. He praised the efforts of the EU and the EIB to set a standard but pointed out that it needed to be more widely disseminated.

Since 2015, the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue has been hosted by the Federal Government and co-organized by the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE), the German Solar Association (BSW-Solar), and the German Energy Agency (dena) as well as the consultancy firm eclareon.

You can find all the videos of the conference here.

For more information visit the BETD website​​​​​​​.