Press Release
12th May 2016, No. 42/2016, AZ 33311/01

German-Japanese Energy
Council aims to promote theenergy transition
DBU-backed project ready for launch - scientificexchange and mutual learning
Despite differences in policies on energy and its supply, Japan andGermany are confronted by a similar challenge: to restructure their

Contact Press OfficeFranz-Georg Elpers- Press Officer Anneliese Grabaraenergy systems in such a way that they are low-risk, reliable, resource-efficient and climate-neutral in the long term. At the sametime, both countries must remain internationally competitive on thebasis of this ecological modernisation. A planned institutionalised
exchange between experts from both countries will aim to facilitate
better strategies for meeting this challenge in future. Prof. Peter

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www.dbu.deHennicke, the former president of the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, has initiated a project to form a
German-Japanese Energy Council, with the financial and technicalbacking of the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) and theStiftung Mercator, and in collaboration with the Wuppertal Instituteand ECOS Consult (Osnabrück).
A preliminary study that partly drew on Hennicke's own experiences in Japan first set out how such an "Energy Council" could give new impetus toenergy and climate polices in Japan and Germany, and promote a shift torenewable energy sources across the world. The council will be made up ofsix energy experts from each country, and be headed by one German and
one Japanese co-chair. Three associate members are each to be consulted
on special topics. The council will meet up in full session twice a year, alternating between Germany and Japan.
The scientific administration on the German side will be carried out by theWuppertal Institute, and on the Japanese side by the equally prestigious
Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ). ECOS Consult will take on theorganisational support of the project, drawing on its many years of experience in Japan.
The focus of the council's work will be on facilitating the scientific exchangeof experiences in energy management, and on mutual learning. The goal ofthe project, and the council's main task, will be to highlight new and long-Contact Stiftung Mercator
Cathrin Sengpiehl- Communication Manager
Press Phone: 0049201|24522-0
info@stiftung-mercator.dewww.stiftung-mercator.determ strategies for implementing an ambitious energy transition based ongood examples from both countries.
Dr. Heinrich Bottermann(left) and Prof. PeterHennicke are presenting
the final report of thepreliminary study for theGerman-Japanese Energy Council
Copyright: DBU/Himsel"The fundamental differences in structure and energy policies between
Germany and Japan are what make this project particularly interesting. Ifthe energy transition can be implemented in these two hi-tech countries ina manner that is socially compatible and economically sustainable, it will
not just lead to a doubling of success, but can also serve as a blueprint forother industrial and emerging countries, at least in some core areas," saysHennicke, who is also a winner of the DBU's German Environmental Award.
DBU Secretary General Dr. Heinrich Bottermann: "Embarking upon a new
era with an energy supply based on renewable sources and that uses energy-efficient technologies is a big technical and social challenge both national and internationally. The thorough spadework that has already been done
has clearly shown that there is great interest in such a council and its study
agenda both from the Japanese and the German side; there are a numberof prominent backers in both countries."
On the basis of numerous discussions with high-ranking representatives
from the fields of politics, science and civil society, a comprehensive organisational concept for the council has been drawn up, along with a joint
study agenda summarised in the following strategic and mutually interesting fields of cooperation:
The basis and prospects for an ecological industrial policy, including
energy and resource efficiency (scenarios and system analyses)Strategic goals and framework conditions of the energy transition,with due regard to socio-cultural aspects



Structuring of the energy market and sustainable electricity market
designReallocation of roles and business segments between existing andnew players in the energy systemTechnical system developments and new technologies on the pathto the energy transition

The envisaged study agenda will draw on the above-named thematic areas
after further definition. The aim of the agenda is to provide a transparent
documentation of the council's competencies in specialist analysis and consultation and put them at the disposal of politicians and players from theeconomic sector and civil society. “Our aim is to present feasible options forthe energy transition in both countries on the basis of a solid scientificfoundation. The German-Japanese Energy Council will facilitate a process ofsystemised mutual learning about paths to a low-carbon future in bothcountries,” says Dr. Lars Grotewold, head of the climate-change department at Stiftung Mercator, which is sponsoring the study agenda as a basis
for the Energy Council's work.
The council will begin appointing prominent experts from both countries
and carrying out intensive preparatory work as of May 2016, so that its firstmeeting can take place with success on 28/29 September in Tokyo. The
project is also being funded by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Tradeand Industry (METI), the German Foreign Office and by the JapaneseGerman Center Berlin, and is endorsed by the German ministries of theeconomy and the environment.

Note to the press: photos for free publication at www.dbu.de