Jens Burchardt

Energy policies, Ukraine policy and other risky political decisions in Germany have led to a higher inflation, job losses and certainly discontentment among voters. The coalition breakdown is very susceptible of opening a way to the rise of far right in the country. It will certainly shape the future decisions of the EU regarding energy, defense and collective security issues. #EuropeanUnion #Politics #Elections #Germany #GermanElections #RiseofFarRight #Europe

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The bull case for the #netzero #energytransition : "In 1993, a group of German utilities placed full-page ads in German newspapers stating that “renewable energies like sun, water and wind will not be able to cover more than 4% of our power demand, even in the long term”. In 2023, renewables provided over 50% of German electricity. In 2017, a group of Norwegian academics wrote a paper entitled Limits to growth in the renewable energy sector, predicting that global wind and solar capacity would saturate in 2030 at 1.7TW. By 2023, the half-way mark of their forecast, the figure already surpassed 2.1TW and the installation rate hit 0.5TW per year... "...The answer to variability, however, is not batteries. It is a system solution – a combination of demand response, interconnections, excess generating capacity, pumped storage, nuclear power, CCS, hydrogen and biogas long duration storage, integrated by means of an extensive grid and managed using the latest digital technologies. The good news is that each of these constituent technologies is seeing remarkable growth and investment, and they are slowly being knitted together by successive iterations of regulation, making system solutions the Second Superhero of the Transition... "Heat pumps too are flying off the shelves. Sales in Europe grew 2.5 times between 2017 and 2022; in the US for the past two years, more heat pumps were sold than gas furnaces... "estimates of critical mineral demand from clean energy technologies have been very substantially over-estimated. Even well-constructed mainstream forecasts are missing the impacts on demand of technological improvements, material substitution and, critically, recycling... "...In the same way that there came a point when discharging untreated sewage into the street, or smoking in public buildings, became unacceptable, it is becoming unacceptable to burn fossil fuels. The generation that regarded it as normal – irreplaceable, even a kind of birth-right – is losing its place at the head of the table and being replaced by a generation that is in no doubt about the need to “stop burning stuff”. That may not make the technical challenges any easier, but it creates a virtuous circle between the inevitability of the transition, the attraction of talent, the tipping of the balance of risk in favor of net-zero solutions, and progress towards net zero. That leaves only one question – particularly in the light of this past year’s deeply troubling temperature anomalies – will we get there in time?" #climatesolutions #ESG #impinv Intentional Endowments Network BloombergNEF https://lnkd.in/e_NKXbak

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At GMH Gruppe, we've joined the Science Based Targets initiative (#SBTi), committing to #climateneutrality by 2039. Our journey toward sustainable steel began with electric steelmaking 30 years ago, but high #electricity costs now #threaten our progress. For energy-intensive industries like ours, #competitive electricity rates—ideally 4-6 euro cents per kWh—are essential for driving #GreenTransformation. Renewable energy’s low production costs must benefit industry directly, and CO₂ pricing should support, not restrict, sustainable solutions. We're ready to lead and truly want to do the transformation, but competitive rates are critical to making climate neutrality #achievable. Read more on the link. https://lnkd.in/eUU2mgpT #GreenSteel #ClimateNeutrality #SBTi

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In Hamburg for a big sustainability conference and one of the key, stubborn, complex issues being discussed is financing. How to pay for the changes required to ‘green’ the economy. And *who* should pay. ➡️ This is a discussion that very much involves The Banker readers — whether they work directly on sustainable finance or simply working with governments and clients in industries more directly affected by the green transition. 🌍 Government finances around the world are tight. Emerging markets — often most exposed to the dire consequences of climate change — have hit a record 245% debt-to-GDP ratio (according to the Institute of International Finance). This makes it much harder for them to keep on borrowing, including for climate. They’re expected to borrow the most to ‘climate-proof’ their economies. 🏦 Private sector finance, meanwhile, continues to grapple with real or perceived risk linked to EM as well as climate-related projects. 🗯️ At the Hamburg Sustainability Conference opening ceremony, SOAS University of London president Zeinab Badawi — expertedly moderating a discussion with the The World Bank ‘s Ajay Banga, the International Monetary Fund ‘s Kristalina Georgieva, Germany’s Olaf Scholz, Barbados’ Mia Motley and Namibia’s Nangolo Mbumba — said: “capital is a coward”. If capital is a coward, whose capital should be braver? ⭐️ I am keen to hear our readers thoughts on this. ❓Multilaterals and governments are working on new instruments, debt-for-climate-swaps, first-loss-absorption options etc. But what’s going to drive a private sector lender or investor to climate projects in markets perceived as higher risk, at scale? https://lnkd.in/ecM6pfxf

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🌍 Curious about how the climate will evolve and why both #Mitigation and #Adaptation are essential? Join us at The Shift - 1st Corporate Climate Adaptation Conference (Nov 6th) in Berlin and hear directly from Stefan Rahmstorf, one of the world’s leading climate scientists ("What the data show and what to expect") We are very proud to welcome him as a keynote speaker, where he will engage in a compelling discussion on #ClimateRealism alongside Jem Bendell, Katharina Beck, and moderated by Ina Karabasz from Handelsblatt. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the future of our climate and how businesses can adapt! #TheShift #ClimateChange #CorporateAdaptation #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Berlin

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What will it take to accelerate Germany's energy transition? My colleague Fabian Billing sat down with Leo Birnbaum, CEO of E.ON, to discuss how to overcome bottlenecks, unleash momentum, and create opportunities for investment, productivity, and innovation. Read their full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gRTGYkVv #EnergyTransition #Innovation #Sustainability #McKinsey #LeadersPerspectives

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European elections: #right-wing parties gained influence, #climate protection played a lesser role. Germany and climate targets: Germany will miss its #climate targets for 2030, more efforts needed. More news: #Green electricity share in Germany almost 60 per cent. Fewer #plastic waste exports. #Faster approvals for #wind turbines agreed. #Guterres calls for #ban on fossil fuel advertising. May 2024 was the warmest May since records began. Science and sustainability: New #recycling methods for solar modules. #Climate change is a burden on #mental health. More news: #Flood damage in southern Germany: two billion euros. #Progress in #hydrogen projects in Germany and Africa. This and more in the new FAIReconomics newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dQkKuNhk

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🌍 **Exciting News for Climate Action!** 🌍 The Austrian government is considering lifting the ban on geological CO2 storage by 2025. This significant move could pave the way for innovative carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, crucial for achieving climate neutrality. As someone deeply committed to environmental sustainability, I believe this development represents a major step forward in our collective efforts to combat climate change. It's inspiring to see such progressive policies being considered, and I look forward to the positive impact this could have on our planet. Read more about this development here: [Link to Article](https://lnkd.in/emnV6NgA) Hope Horizons Foundation #ClimateAction #Sustainability #CarbonCapture #Innovation #EnvironmentalImpact #GreenTech #ClimateChange #FutureOfEnergy #EcoFriendly #EnvironmentalSustainability

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Germany's push for #renewableenergy is highlighted by both systemic reforms and community-driven projects. The recent reform about #SlowPermitting have drastically cut bureaucratic delays, speeding up the deployment of renewables.  Since 2022, Germany has reformed its processes, cutting through the red tape. For example, a project that once required 36,000 pages of documentation is now streamlined. Key changes include designating #cleanenergy projects as “overriding public interest” and mandating that German states allocate about 2% of their land for wind turbines. Berlin received nearly 10,000 applications for plug-and-go solar panels by April 2023. The bio-energy park in Saerbeck, taken by Andreas Neumann, highlights the community’s role in this transition. Since 2013, the park has empowered local citizens. The payoff??? A rapid increase in renewable electricity generation and a clear path toward Germany's goal of sourcing 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.

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WWF’s 2024 sustainability ranking for Swiss retail banks shows progress—but also highlights the need for more impactful action, especially in integrating climate and biodiversity into financial practices. At Zühlke Group, we believe data-driven solutions are key to advancing #sustainability in #banking. Let's discuss how we can make a difference! 🌍💡

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In 2023, #carbon pricing revenues surpassed USD 100 billion for the first time, driven by robust prices in the EU and a temporary shift in certain German Emission Trading Systems (#ETS) revenues from 2022 to 2023. The global landscape now boasts 75 operational #carbonpricing instruments, with ETSs continuing to dominate revenue generation. Notably, over half of the revenue collected was allocated to funding #climate and nature-related initiatives. Despite significant progress, #carbontaxes and ETSs only cover about 24% of #globalemissions, falling short of the ambitions outlined in the Paris Agreement. Currently, less than 1% of global #GHGemissions are subject to a direct #carbonprice within the recommended range to limit temperature rise to well below 2ºC. Expect the #carbonmarket to grow overing coming decades delivering benefits beyond #mitigation!

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Leaked: German Länder Economic Ministers Call for Stronger #Industrial #Policy Amidst Rising Costs and Bureaucracy - Tide is turning in Germany. As we approach the November 21st Conference of Economic Ministers, Germany’s Länder are making a decisive call for #reforms to strengthen industrial policy. In their draft paper, ministers emphasize the urgent need to address rising #energy costs, #excessive #taxation, and #bureaucratic obstacles that threaten #competitiveness. With #federal #elections on the horizon in February 2023, these regional calls align with a national push for policies that can support industry resilience and economic growth across Germany. But Länder-level initiatives alone won’t suffice—the federal government’s actions will be pivotal in delivering comprehensive solutions. 🔑 Key Focus Areas: • Easing tax and regulatory burdens for SMEs. • Investing in clean technology and infrastructure to prevent carbon leakage. • Creating a stable, innovation-friendly environment to attract long-term investments. The November 21st conference will set the stage for Germany’s industrial future, with policies that balance economic growth, innovation, and sustainability. #Germany #IndustrialPolicy #EconomicMinisters #Competitiveness #Innovation #Sustainability

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🌍💡 Economic growth and climate protection go hand in hand.  In their new study, Prof. Veronika Grimm, Dr. Christian Sölch, and Johannes Wirth demonstrate that abandoning growth does not advance climate protection in Germany. Instead of deindustrialization, we need innovation and clear political framework conditions to drive both growth and climate protection forward together. The study emphasizes: Only through consistent CO₂ pricing, infrastructure expansion, and international cooperation can we actively shape global climate protection. 🌱 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2zgKUFs #MeetTheUTN #Study #UTN #ClimateProtection #International

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Carbon Dioxide Removal (#CDR): An Essential Puzzle Piece of Climate Change Mitigation? 🌍 Despite over 96% of global greenhouse gas emissions coming from countries that have pledged climate action, our current trajectory is still significantly falling behind the efforts needed for the 1.5°C target established by the Paris Agreement. The latest Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Deutscher Verband für negative Emissionen e.V. (DVNE) study highlights that ramping up global CDR volume to at least 4.5-9 gigatons annually by 2050 will be inevitable to limit global warming to below 2°C or 1.5°C, respectively.    Our report explores four scenarios: ▶️ High Natural Sinks: Relies heavily on nature-based methods, posing risks due to low storage permanence. ▶️ Balanced Portfolio: Equally splits between nature-based and technological methods, ensuring resilience and adaptability. ▶️ Slow Cost Degression: Focuses on methods like enhanced weathering and biochar, with limited reliance on high-cost technologies. ▶️ High Tech Removals: Emphasizes technological breakthroughs and substantial investments for long-term durability. Explore more about CDR and how it can become a nearly trillion-euro global industry: https://lnkd.in/eS4AJnjZ   #BCG #CarbonDioxideRemoval #NetZero #Sustainability  

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💡Tackling the Skills Shortage with #GenAI   🔋 The #energytransition demands innovation. In our latest article, we reveal how GenAI can be a game-changer for utility companies facing a skilled workforce shortage amid the energy transition. 👇Check out the full article to see how GenAI can empower the future energy #workforce!

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‘Scope 4’ Emissions: Welcome to the Next Layer of Complexity in the #ClimateChange Puzzle! There’s one thing I’ve come to realize: we love to complicate the already complex and confusing field of #sustainability and #climatechange! For today, it is about ‘Scope 4- Avoided emissions,a term that’s been around but is popping up more frequently. So, what’s Scope 4 all about? In simple terms, Scope 4 refers to “avoided emissions,” which are the #greenhouse gases that don’t get emitted because of a product or process that's #cleaner or more efficient. For example, if you switch from a gas-powered car to an electric vehicle, you’re avoiding the #emissions that would have been produced by the gas car. But here's where it gets interesting: Since there aren’t clear standards for Scope 4, companies might stretch the truth. They might compare their products to much worse alternatives to make their #environmental impact look better than it really is. Plus, it can be hard to determine who actually gets to claim these avoided emissions, whether it’s the manufacturer, the user, or someone else. Here’s my take: it’s about time we stop adding new terms and #standards without addressing the conflicts and gaps with existing ones. The introduction of Scope 4 should come with clear definitions and solutions to avoid confusion and overlap with current #regulations and standards. What do you think? #climatechange #scope4 #emissions #sustainability #climaterisk #ghg #greenhouse #esg #sustainablefinance #lowcarbon #transition

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This is a step in the right direction to make swiss companies, which include some of the largest multi national corporations, more sustainable. To expedite their emissions reduction strategy organisations must have a portfolio of carbon removal measures at hand and secure their carbon removal today, already for years to come. This also provides a channel for investment required in the Global South (between USD 4 and 12 trillion annually) for transitioning their economies to greener economies. #sustainability #climatechange #cop29 #esg #ghg #unfccc https://lnkd.in/evTZpNgU

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Today, I had the chance to share my insights with Euractiv on what a potential shift in 🇩🇪 Germany’s government might mean for energy and climate policy. Germany needs a pragmatic, tech-open approach, strong market alignment, and 🇪🇺 EU cooperation, echoing Draghi and Letta's insights. Strengthening the EU Emissions Trading System with an expansion to cover transport and buildings (EU-ETS 2) was a standout achievement, but with likely efforts to delay its phase-in during 🇮🇩 Poland’s EU presidency, Germany must defend it—a particular challenge in an election year. A smart, innovation-driven energy and climate policy in the next legislative period  can help counter scepticism and broaden public support for ambitious climate action. Priorities for the next German government should include: 📌 Introducing a pragmatic, transparent climate bonus ("#Klimageld")to help citizens manage rising costs 📌 Leveraging Germany’s #flexibility potential—home storage capacity now equals that of five nuclear plants, creating huge opportunities for integrating renewables and lowering costs 📌 Supporting initiatives like scaling #hydrogen, #storage technologies , and advancing #CCUS The CDU/CSU-Bundestagsfraktion reaffirmed its commitment to Germany’s ambitious climate goal at their recent event on an energy agenda for Germany as industrial hub. Check out my input in the video linked in the first comment. 👇 👇 Thank you to Jasper Steinlein for the opportunity to contribute to this definitivly readworthy article! Read the full Euractiv article here 👇 EPICO KlimaInnovation

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