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renewables 2004: Yemen conference blazes a trail for renewable energies in
the Middle East
22 April 2004 (press release BMU). Germany�s Federal Environment Minister J�rgen 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 T�pfer, 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 (�renewables
2004�) being held in Bonn from 1 to 4 June.
According to J�rgen 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.
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