Solar village Vauban in Freiburg, Black Forest, Germany. (Photo 45628490 © Gyuszko | Dreamstime.com)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

energy transition plans

Alberta joins binational climate study trip to Germany

Oct 6, 2023 | 4:39 PM

Provincial ministers say they will be travelling to Germany this weekend to learn about the country’s energy transition plans and how Alberta can be a strong partner.

From October 8-14, Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, and Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright, will join Canadian and U.S. lawmakers, and other members of the Council of State Governments (CSG) Midwestern Legislative Conference to learn about Germany’s energy and climate transition.

Like other countries, officials say Germany is struggling with an energy crisis precipitated by the war in Ukraine and a pivot away from nuclear power. While still relying on fossil fuels, the country is planning a transition to renewables by 2050.

“It’s an honour to represent Alberta as we work to strengthen our province’s relationship with Germany. We are grateful for the invitation to learn about the successes and challenges they have had with their energy transition programs so that we can apply those lessons here at home,” said Getson.

The province says the study trip will offer both MLAs the opportunity to gather first-hand information about Germany’s energy sector and to meet with government officials and industry representatives who are implementing innovative energy policies and processes. The trip will also provide an opportunity to promote low-emitting western Canadian LNG and Alberta’s energy capabilities, including hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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“Germany has been in the vanguard of transitioning to renewable energy sources. This trip is an excellent opportunity to identify cost-effective and scalable renewable technologies that Alberta may take advantage of with respect to developing our own renewable energy sector,” said Rowswell.

The Government of Alberta says they are committed to working with its national and international partners to advance shared interests that can lead to new opportunities for people and businesses in the province and around the world.

In 2022, Alberta exported $125.3 million to Germany and imported $723.7 million worth of goods from Germany.

Itinerary for MLAs Getson and Rowswell (subject to change)

• Oct 7: Travel to Berlin
• Oct. 9-10: Sessions with the German Energy Agency and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
• Oct. 10: Travel to Essen
• Oct. 11: Meeting at the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy
• Oct. 12: Meetings and briefings in Essen
• Oct. 13: Meetings and briefings in Essen
• Oct. 16: Return to Edmonton