Germany Ready To Extend Expertise In Renewable Energy To Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 (Bernama) -- Germany is ready to extend its expertise and experience in high technology advancement fields, particularly in the renewable energy (RE) sector, to Malaysia. The German ambassador to Malaysia, Holger Michael said with the favourable conditions for foreign investments and active workforce in Malaysia, cooperation in RE is possible and feasible. "It is also in line with Germany's ongoing progress in 'energiewende' or energy transition. "We (Germany) are in the midst of shifting our energy system towards a sustainable footing, while increasing energy efficiency and phasing out nuclear energy," he told reporters after opening the German Energiewende Exhibition here, Wednesday. To date, Michael said Germany had implemented nearly 32 per cent of its energy usage from RE sources such as solar, wind and hydropower. It is hoped that by 2025 and 2050, the percentage can be increased to between 40 and 45 per cent and to 80 per cent subsequently. Germany decided to phase out its nuclear energy until 2022, where currently nine of its 17 nuclear power plants have decommissioned. "Until 2020, we are also targeting to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions by at least 40 per cent in comparison to the base year 1990," Michael said. He also said in line with the 60th anniversary of the Malaysia-Germany diplomatic relations this year, it was hoped that economic and trade relations would continue to grow in the field of electrical and electronics, medical technology, car manufacturing, the chemical industry, and other advanced fields. "Our bilateral trade is about 13 billion euros (1 euro = RM4.69) annually and interestingly, Germany is a global export champion. "But with Malaysia, we registered a trade deficit, showed the country exported more to Germany. It also means Malaysia is a competitive market, and its industry is well matched with our business," he added. Meanwhile, an exhibition expert and advisor on Energy Foreign Policy, Johannes Uhl, said Malaysia is the first Southeast Asian country to stage the Energiewende Exhibition since its global tour in April 2016. "The reason for the exhibition is to highlight energy transition, what it means to the German people and its essential elements, besides creating awareness and education on RE," he added. The Energiewende Exhibition has been held at over 30 locations in 15 countries. It is being held at the Galeri Petronas, Suria KLCC here until April 23 and will move to Georgetown in Malaysia's northern state Penang, from April 28-May 7. --BERNAMA