Executive Director Meets with German Minister of Economy and Energy

Dr Fatih Birol, the International Energy Agency’s Executive Director, met Monday with Peter Altmaier, Germany’s Minister of Economy and Energy. The bilateral meeting focused on the IEA’s role in the global clean energy transition thanks to its expertise across all fuels and energy technologies, as well as energy efficiency.

Dr Birol and Mr Altmaier emphasised energy’s important role for development around the world, and discussed the multiple ways in which the IEA and Germany could collaborate in ensuring progress towards reliable, affordable and environmentally sustainable use of energy in all countries.

Among the topics discussed were the IEA’s modernisation efforts and its strong progress in opening its doors to major emerging economies through its Association programme; the declining costs of renewables and the importance of the IEA’s focus on electricity security for successfully integrating renewables in power markets; and the IEA’s strong emphasis on energy efficiency and its relevance for countries’ competitiveness. Dr Birol also emphasized Germany’s global leadership in the clean energy transition, including through its commitment to Energiewende, the country’s national energy transition strategy.

On Tuesday, Dr Birol is speaking at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, where the IEA will be highlighting the role of energy efficiency in the clean energy transition, with a focus on investment and fuel cost savings.