Meeting for lunch with Mr. Energy Transition: Rainer Baake returns to Berlin
Rainer Baake, a veteran in the field of renewable energy, has made significant strides in shaping Germany's energy landscape. Known as 'Mr. Energiewende,' Baake has been at the forefront of Germany's embrace of new balance for over two decades.
After serving as the red-green government's point person for the phase-out of nuclear energy, Baake left the Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy (BMWi) in March 2018. Since then, he has dedicated his efforts to climate protection through various roles.
One of Baake's latest ventures is the Climate Neutrality Foundation, or Stiftung Klimaneutralität. This new think tank, for which he secured funding in the US, aims to advise Germany's federal government on ready-to-implement policies to help it reach its 2030 emissions-reduction goals.
Baake's concern for climate protection is not new. He has headed up Environmental Action Germany (DUH) and founded the think tank Agora Energiewende. His dedication to the cause has taken him around the world, where he travelled to survey the boom of solar news in Africa, North America, and Australia.
During his travels, Baake found the impact of the climate crisis to be worse than expected. This experience has only strengthened his resolve to combat climate change.
The backbone of the renewables' buildout will be solar and wind, complemented by hydroelectric power. Battery production will be significant in this endeavour, according to Baake. Ever more renewable electricity will be needed to decarbonize other sectors such as heating and mobility.
The EU is planning to increase its 2030 targets, which may push Germany's goals higher. Should the Greens come to power in 2021, Baake's name may be high on the new cabinet's short list. However, Baake has expressed no intention of running for political office.
Despite his contributions, Baake's most notable achievement remains turning Germany's national nuclear energy exit into law. This move solidified Germany's commitment to renewable energy and set a precedent for other nations to follow.
As we move towards a more sustainable future, Rainer Baake's work continues to be instrumental in Germany's transition to a renewable energy economy. His foundation, Stiftung Klimaneutralität, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in helping Germany meet its ambitious 2030 emissions-reduction goals.
