Admission is free. The number of participants for the congress is limited.
The current program as well as the possibility to register for the congress (until 28 February 2025) can be found here.
Program:
In a keynote speech, Dr. Tobias Hentze, Head of the State, Taxes, Social Security Cluster at the German Economic Institute (IW Köln), will give an overview of the current economic situation in Germany and his assessment of what economic policy measures need to be taken in the next legislative period.
As an introduction to the panel discussion, Philipp Gordon, Head of the Electricity Program at Agora Energiewende, will present the various considerations regarding the conversion of the promotion of renewable energy generation. The panel will then discuss the future financial support for renewable energy projects, which could become a legal reality in the next legislative period with a change in support for renewable energy projects. Depending on how it is structured, small market players such as energy cooperatives may find it more difficult, if not impossible, to access refinancing instruments. We will discuss the proposals, possible consequences and cooperative positions with
- Wolfram Axthelm, Managing Director of the BEE,
- Lukas Bühler, board member of EnerGeno Heilbronn-Franken eG,
- Philipp Gordon, Program Manager for Electricity at Agora Energiewende
- Bastian Olzem, Head of the Generation and System Integration Division at BDEW
We are also looking forward to another innovation showcase with energy transition projects from the cooperative group. New ideas and business models, such as an overbuilt grid connection point, a combination of solar system and road tunnel, a tool for digital cooperative membership, a solar power-led heating network, wind showers and a new cooperative project developer will be presented. You will once again have the opportunity to award the Audience Award to the best idea.
2025 is the International Year of Cooperatives, which has been proclaimed by the United Nations. At the national congress, we will learn about global examples of the cooperative energy transition. We will discuss successes and global challenges with cooperative representatives from Europe and around the world. Our guests are:
- Erik Christiansen, CEO of the energy cooperative Middelgrunden, from Denmark
- Toni Hechtl, CEO of the energy cooperative Elsbeere Wienerwald, from Austria
- Camila Japp, DGRV energy cooperative expert in Latin America, from Brazil
- Dr. Kwanghee Yeom, Project Manager South Korea Agora Energiewende, former Deputy Secretary for Climate and Environment of South Korean President Moon Jae-in (2017-2020), from South Korea
We would like to celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives together with you at the subsequent reception. You are welcome to register here.
There will be plenty of opportunities for networking and exchange during the breaks, after the Federal Congress and at the reception to mark the International Year of Cooperatives 2025.
We look forward to your participation!