RWTH To Host Joint Panel Discussion On France, Germany, And The Energy Transition

Even if there are currently different ways to ensure energy security in France and Germany, both nations are of central importance when it comes to achieving a successful energy transition in Europe. “Gemeinsamer Weg?! Frankreich und Deutschland und die Energiewende” is the title of a panel discussion that will be held jointly by the Institut Français and RWTH Aachen University on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 7pm at SuperC, Templergraben 57. The journalist Jens Tervooren will moderate the panel discussion.

The following individuals will be participating in the discussion: Dr. Marc-Antoine Eyl-Mazzega, Director of the Center for Energy and Climate at the Institut Français des Relations Internationales IFRI in Paris, Gilles Le Van, Vice President of Large Industries and Energy Transition Central Europe at Air Liquide, as well as Professor Kathrin Greiff from the RWTH Chair of Anthropogenic Material Cycles and Professor Rik W. De Doncker from E.ON Energy Research Center and the Institute for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives at RWTH. The four experts will discuss the differences and overlaps as well as common solutions for a successful transition to renewable energy sources. The two countries’ current energy market strategies and focus will also be addressed – such as the expansion of nuclear energy in France, the progress in renewable energy growth, and the use of liquefied gas.

Expanding Franco-German collaboration on energy policy – already on the agenda of the Treaty of Aachen signed by Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel in January 2019 – has become a priority in these times dominated by the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis. In solidarity and attempting to overcome tensions and differences, we will discuss the paths we can take to jointly make the energy transition a success.