Our energy consumption has a development dimension. Fossil fuels are not only harmful to the climate. Their promotion and further processing is associated with human rights violations and environmental destruction, especially in countries of the Global South.
Renewable energy can also have a negative impact. For example, the raw materials for solar and wind power plants are often mined under poor human rights and ecological standards in the Global South. Or huge renewable energy power plants for hydrogen production are planned in countries of the Global South, which are only available for export to rich industrial nations.
PowerShift is committed to a global just energy transition that overcomes such injustices and guarantees all people equal access to clean energy.
Here you can get an insight into our work on energy policy.
energy policy
At the heart of our work in the field of energy policy is the development policy perspective on the resource consumption of energy production. We are committed to a globally just energy transition. To this end, we contribute locally and nationally to climate and energy policy.
Complete phase-out of fossil fuels
We are committed to a globally just energy transition and a rapid and complete phase-out of fossil fuels. Our work played a decisive role in the successful coal phase-out campaign in Berlin. Now we are dedicating ourselves to the question of how an exit from natural gas is possible in Berlin and Germany. With our factsheets and events on the Gausaustieg, we draw attention to the serious climate consequences of natural gas consumption and the associated environmental problems.
Hydrogen: sustainable and fair instead of limitlessly cheap
Hydrogen is an important part of the energy transition. We provide critical support for the development of the global hydrogen infrastructure and its development policy dimension. Instead of importing hydrogen from other countries as cheaply as possible, we are committed to the deliberate use of green hydrogen in selected industries. In our podcasts, publications, webinars and analyses, we discuss the potential of hydrogen for a climate-friendly energy transition from different perspectives. With our activities, we want to inform political and economic actors, NGOs and trade unions and promote a well-founded discussion about the role of hydrogen in the future.
Protection of natural resources
We are committed to protecting natural resources, such as water, soil and air. The energy transition must not be at the expense of farmers, indigenous communities and fertile farmland. We draw attention to land conflicts that arise as a result of the expansion of renewable energies. We call for binding human rights and environmental standards, fair participation of local communities and an energy policy that takes social justice seriously – worldwide and also in Germany.
Heat transition: Climate-friendly and social
Together with the Berlin Renewable Alliance, we are driving forward the municipal and socially just heat transition in Berlin. We have successfully supported the repurchase of Vattenfall's district heating network, which was returned to the state of Berlin in May 2024. At both Berlin and federal level, we work in powerful alliances against the heating of hydrogen in the heat supply as well as against the expansion of wood combustion and inform about climate- and environmentally friendly alternatives that curb resource consumption at the expense of the Global South.
CCS – Carbon Capture and Storage: A Dangerous Illusion
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is discussed for CO2 reduction. We see it as a distraction. This technology has not yet shown that it works. Relying on CCS does not only jeopardise compliance with Germany's climate targets. It also extends our dependence on fossil fuels. In our joint work with the CCS-Stoppen alliance, we address policy makers and multipliers with opinions and analyses in order to highlight the risks of CCS and to promote real climate protection.
Our speakers are pleased to be able to contribute their expertise. Contact us if you would like to learn more about the possibilities of cooperation.
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