‘Renewable Energy-Made in Germany’ expo starts tomorrow at The Avenues
KUWAIT:
Germany is closing down all its nuclear facilities by 2022. But even with the absence of nuclear energy, Germany is now ready to face the world with clean renewable energy, said German Ambassador to Kuwait Karl Bergner as he explained his embassy’s plan for a nuclear free Germany. The envoy spoke exclusively with Kuwait Times to announce its ‘Renewable Energy-Made in Germany’ expo, that will be held from May 22 to 26 at the Avenues.
“In fact, by now, more than 15-20 percent of our energy consumptions is created by non-nuclear energy sources like the hydro, solar and wind energy plants. We managed to continue with the plan since we started the winding down of nuclear energy use since 2011. Thanks to Fukushima nuclear tragedy, our country has really managed to keep distance from nuclear energy. This is the best solution for clean energy which is good for the environment and climate change as a whole,” he said.
“The expo will talk about energy consumption, how to reduce it and ways to store the energy created by these technologies,” he said. The embassy has also invited various schools to see for themselves the clean renewable technology they are now currently utilizing. The event will take place at the Avenues Mall under the patronage of Essam Al-Marzouq, the Kuwaiti Minister of Oil and Minister of Electricity and Water. The expo targets various groups from decision makers to students who want to contribute for the betterment of the entire population.
The expo will focus on the technology they are now currently using for clean and green environment. The information will be displayed through various panels explaining the technology with up-to date photographs and figures to explain how it works. The expo will be supported by leading German renewable energy companies and industry associates. The expo covers energy efficiency, heating, mobility, renewable energies, cost of consumers, climate protection, nuclear power, economic aspects, electric grid and energy storage.
The envoy said, the expo is a way to help Kuwaitis decide about their future energy consumption. “From current 1 percent of renewable energy, Kuwait could follow our example to increase it to 15 percent in a few years. In this way we can share our knowledge and probably transfer the technology to countries around the world,” he said.
Karl Bergner also suggested that instead of building a power plant, Kuwait could invest in energy efficiency plants to reduce the consumption of energy. “Saudi Arabia Minister of Energy said, ‘Oil is just too valuable to just let it burn. If there are ways to reduce the use of petrochemicals, we can certainly use petrochemicals for other purposes.’ It is more sustainable and we can reduce the use of fossil energy. As time passes, it will be reduce and cease to exist while we will be searching for other sources. Right now, we need help,” he urged.
He also invited students to consider Germany for their bachelor’s or higher degree education and for tourists to visit their country. “If you are traveling to Germany especially this summer, please secure your visa early. While I am happy that Kuwaitis can get the visa in three days working time, it is better to apply for a visa ahead of time to avoid further delays,” he said.