Schneider: 138 million for grid expansion abroad

Belém (dpa) – At the World Climate Conference in Belém, the German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider announced that 138 million euros would be made available for expanding storage infrastructure and electricity grids in countries in the Global South. The money will come from the International Climate Initiative, a funding instrument for international climate and biodiversity projects. To allow for a switch to decentralised generation of renewable energy, it is necessary to convert the electricity grids accordingly.   
 
Projects with a total capacity of around 3,000 gigawatts are currently awaiting connection to the grid around the world, owing to a lack of wiring and weak networks, according to the ministry. This corresponds to about three times the capacity of the EU’s entire power plant fleet. Mr Schneider pointed out that Germany had learned how to integrate large proportions of renewable energy into its grid, and was eager to share this knowledge. 

 
The minister also plans to bring new life to the international climate club, which is a network of 47 states. “The Global South and North are cooperating closely here, both at the political level and among experts,” Schneider said, adding that one of the goals was to reduce climate-damaging gas emissions from cement and steel production. These two materials were of great importance to all national economies, he stated. The member states have issued a statement in which they point out that more capital is needed for decarbonisation. In his speech to all participants of the COP30, Mr Schneider also praised Brazil for its great hospitality. He ended his speech by exclaiming: viva Amazonia.