Together with counterparts from Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia, Germany is working to drive forward the global expansion of electricity grids and storage systems. Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider presented this package of measures today at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, along with the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan, Brazil and other countries. Electricity grids are key to harnessing the rapid growth in electricity generated from renewable energy sources. The need is enormous: around 3,000 gigawatts (GW) of energy from renewable projects around the world are waiting to be connected to the grid either because there are no power lines or existing grids cannot handle the additional capacity. This is roughly equivalent to three times the electricity produced by all power stations in the EU. For this reason, the International Energy Agency (IEA) sees grids and storage systems as a crucial lever for accelerating electrification and phasing out fossil fuels. The global partners aim to implement the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge: to add or refurbish 25 million kilometres of power lines and create 1,500 gigawatts of storage capacity by 2030.
Environment Minister Carsten Schneider remarked: "In Germany, we have learned how to successfully integrate renewable energy into the electricity grid. It now accounts for around 60 percent of total electricity generation. We are happy to share this expertise and simultaneously learn from others as we take the next steps. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly efficient and affordable all over the world. However, they can only reach their full potential with powerful grids and storage systems. Grids and storage systems are key to the global energy transition. That is why we need to invest heavily in grids worldwide – both publicly and privately. We can make faster progress if we work together. That is why we are seeking international cooperation and inviting countries around the world to participate."
Germany's contribution to the grid package is linked to the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge of the COP29 under Azerbaijan’s Presidency. It focuses on three key action areas:
- Political prioritisation: Germany is working with partners to advocate for faster permit processes, improved planning and increased investment in grids and energy storage systems through increased political pressure.
- Stronger international initiatives: Germany supports organisations that improve regulatory, technical and financial frameworks, including:
- Green Grids Initiative (GGI)
- Global Clean Power Alliance (GCPA)
- Global Coalition for Energy Planning (GCEP)
- Consultation and cooperation with partner countries: The aim is to advance policy frameworks, grid planning, financing preparations and pilot technologies, and to enable solar and wind farms as well as electric vehicle charging stations to be connected to the electricity grids in Latin America, Africa and Asia.