Germany's Federal Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin has described the outcome of the conference in Bremen as a trailblazer for the use of renewable energies in Middle Eastern countries. At the closing session of the conference, representatives of almost 20 nations stressed the fact that this region harbours major potential for the use of renewable energies. These countries attach particular importance to hopes of a partnership with Europe for developing a future-compatible energy supply. The conference in Yemen was attended by ministers and other high-ranking government representatives, UNEP Director Klaus Töpfer, as well as representatives of companies, the research industry and non-government organisations. The conference opened on Wednesday with a speech by Federal Environment Minister Trittin. The event was staged in preparation for the international conference on renewable energies ("renewables2004") being held in Bonn from 1 to 4 June.
According to Jürgen Trittin, "Access to water and energy are two crucial factors when tackling poverty. In this respect, renewable energies offer ideal development opportunities for the poorer countries of the southern hemisphere. Supplying as many people as possible with inexpensive energy in rural regions is vital if we are to halt the exodus from the countryside. The Middle East has a vast potential of solar and wind power, whilst Europe has expertise and capital. The two sides complement one another perfectly, creating the ideal conditions for a mutually beneficial partnership. In particular, new markets are emerging for German companies in these segments, thanks to their advanced technological status".
For example, solar thermal power stations would be ideal for exploiting the solar potential in the Middle East. They produce large quantities of electricity, and as an added bonus, are also capable of desalinating seawater with the waste heat generated. As such, solar power stations could also make a significant contribution towards solving the greatest problem faced by this region - the supply of drinking water. In 2002, Federal Minister Trittin launched an initiative for the market launch of solar thermal power stations. The aim is to install a capacity of 5000 megawatts in southern hemisphere countries within ten years. Negotiations are currently being held with a number of North African countries regarding such projects.
Federal Environment Minister Trittin concluded, "We face the huge challenge of tackling poverty and climate change simultaneously. If we are to advance successfully, we need a new direction in global energy policy. Apart from resolutely stepping up the use of renewable energies, this also includes substantial increases in efficiency with the use of fossil energies."
At the World Summit in Johannesburg in September 2002, the Federal Government pledged 500 million Euros to increase the use of renewable energies and to improve energy efficiency in developing countries.
As well as a meeting with Prime Minister Ba-Jammal, Trittin also held talks with the Yemenite Minister for Energy and the Minister for the Environment and Water. Germany is the largest provider of development aid to Yemen, donating some 40 million Euros per annum. A million Euros has now been set aside to promote a strategy for the electrification of rural regions using renewable energies.