On the invitation of Federal Environment Minister Peter Altmaier, high-level representatives from 10 countries have gathered in Berlin to establish the Renewables Club. Their common goal is to scale up the deployment of renewable energy worldwide.
"As members of the Club we aim to lead by example," said Minister Altmaier. "The Renewables Club is a political initiative of pioneering countries that are united by an important goal: a worldwide transformation of the energy system." In such a system, renewable energy should play a key role in the future global energy supply.
"We are determined to work together as advocates and implementers of renewable energy at global level," said Altmaier. "We in Germany do not stand alone with our Energiewende, but are a part of a strong group of leaders."
The Club is intended to supplement and support the International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA.
"Renewable energy is not only a good way of combating climate change, it also contributes to prosperity and supply security throughout the world," said Altmaier. "Especially at a time of growing energy demand, this is the attraction of renewable energy for countries all over the world."
The Club members agreed to unite in putting renewable energy on the political agenda in future. At the next UN climate conference the Club plans to jointly present the advantages of renewable energy for prosperity, climate and sustainable development. As a network and driver of ideas, the Club also aims to generate impetus for projects promoting the global transformation of the energy system.
On Saturday morning the high-level representatives adopted a Communiqué acknowledging their role model function. "We call on other countries to follow suit and affirm our willingness to share information and experiences," the Communiqué states.
The Club was initiated by Federal Environment Minister Peter Altmaier. The founding members are China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Morocco, South Africa, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the Director-General of IRENA Adnan Amin. The 10 Club members currently account for more than 40 percent of global investments in renewable energy.
The next meeting of the Renewables Club will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi in January 2014 in the framework of the next session of the IRENA Assembly.