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15. October 2024 ·

HH2E at the TEDxBerlin Salon: “The Future of Energy”

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Berlin, 8 October 2024

For the first time, the Urban Tech Republic hosted the TEDxBerlin Salon. The “.GUT Am Flughafen 1” community welcomed over 350 guests in the former airfreight building of the Berlin-Tegel airport to discuss the future of energy.

Among the speakers was HH2E CEO Alexander Voigt, who, along with other start-ups, established companies, investors, researchers, and activists, explored the necessity and possibilities of a sustainable energy transition from various perspectives. In the familiar TED Talk format, experts and innovators from the energy sector shared their insights, visions, and challenges for a sustainable future.

The event was kicked off by Dr. Chen Gong, a researcher at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), who provided an accessible overview of the journey already travelled and the path still ahead for renewable energies, with a clear message: “Just do it!”

In an inspiring talk, Dorina Döring from the start-up Heat Storage Berlin highlighted the immense potential of heat storage technologies and how they can contribute to achieving our emissions targets.

Judith Klose from the market and opinion research institute Civey and Jan Lozek from Future Energy Ventures, together with moderator Stephan Balzer, discussed the gap between public opinion on the energy transition and current investment in the sector. Supported by statistical insights, it became clear how, in recent years, public sentiment around climate protection has shifted towards resignation, while investments in the energy sector have seen significant growth. Jan Lozek emphasised that most private investments are now committed to sustainable, ‘green’ businesses.

Gerard Reid, partner and co-founder of Alexa Capital, explained in an engaging yet sobering manner how China, compared to Europe, is the driving force in the era of renewable energies. He noted that while China is creating the necessary conditions for green electrification, Europe has urgent work to do in this area.

“Change always begins with struggle. It’s tough at first, but once we push through, the benefits become obvious” – with these words, Alexander Voigt, CEO of HH2E, described the broad scope of the energy transition. Voigt, the founder of several renewable energy start-ups, called for courage and persistence in driving forward the expansion of green infrastructure. He stressed that Europe’s economic success, and the conditions necessary to achieve climate protection goals, must also be considered. The production of green hydrogen and the infrastructure required for it are particularly important components in this effort.

In an interview with Volker Ratzmann, Executive Vice President of Corporate & Public Affairs at DHL Group, the company’s DHL Zero-Emission Roadmap 2050 was introduced, highlighting the obstacles that still need to be overcome. To decarbonise their fleet of around 300 aircraft, SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuels) will be required. As a leader in SAF adoption, DHL is actively promoting the establishment of e-fuels production in Germany.

Mario Schirru, board member of Hamburg-based Encavis AG, an independent power producer and operator of solar parks and onshore wind farms, shared his company’s business model in an interview led by Stephan Balzer.

To conclude the event, Carla Hinrichs, activist and spokesperson for the climate alliance Letzte Generation, reminded the audience of the importance of democratic structures and the role of active democracy in shaping our society – particularly in the context of the energy transition.

HH2E and the .GUT community were delighted with the success of the evening and the high level of interest from the audience. The TEDxSalon Berlin – “The Future of Energy” not only moved experts and the Berlin energy scene but also attracted many young people, including an entire school class, to Tegel. We continue to look to the future of energy with great anticipation.

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