-  29.01.2024 - Consulting services for climate finance tracking
framework__1706539998.pngTogether with the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) and the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP), the greenwerk. is developing a holistic guidance for governments and especially Ministries of Environment to implement climate finance tracking. The guidance includes all stages from beginning to end, starting with the national design and institutional setting, then moving to financial needs assessments and climate finance tracking, and concluding with gap analysis between climate finance mobilized and needed. It equips countries to better understand their unmet needs for climate finance, improve their public resource management, mobilize additional support, and report under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).

At COP28, we shared our guidance (click here to access the presentation) with high-level government officials, delegates and climate finance experts. The panelists – Madeleine Diouf, Head of Climate Change Division at the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development in Senegal and Dr. Lennox Gladden, Chief Climate Change Officer at the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management in Belize – shared and discussed key challenges their ministries face in implementing climate finance tracking. A recording of the side event can be accessed here.

During the ICAT Community Meeting on February 28 – 29 in Bonn, we will provide an extended presentation of the five phases of our guidance on climate finance tracking. We will also use this opportunity to further engage with government officials and climate finance experts and collect feedback to improve the guidance and make it most useful to users.

The final guidance is expected to be published by spring 2024. To learn more about our consultancy services for climate finance tracking, please do reach out to Michel Köhler (mk@thegreenwerk.net).
-  22.01.2024 - Accessing climate finance for low-carbon public transportation
public_transport_jordan__1705932327.jpgthe greenwerk. supports UNDP Jordan with the development of a climate finance concept note for a public transportation project. During a mission to Amman and the Jordan Valley in November 2023, Stefan Wehner and Hannah Braun invited key stakeholders to discuss existing barriers and opportunities for the Jordanian transport sector and the stakeholders’ potential contributions in individual consultations as well as during a collaborative workshop. Moreover, the greenwerk. experts conducted a climate finance training in Amman. The training contents were aligned with the needs of transport sector stakeholders and not only covered theoretical basics on climate finance instruments but also provided real-life best-practice cases of climate finance in the transport sector and guidance on the climate finance application process.
-  20.11.2023 - Workshop in Abuja, October 2023 – Empowering rural communities in Nigeria to develop mini-grid electrification plans
iki_nigeria__1700492618.pngTogether with our consortium partners Reiner Lemoine Institute and the Clean Technology Hub, we took the next important step for advancing mini-grid electrification in rural Nigeria. We conducted a successful workshop in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, to engage with representatives from five rural communities from different regions in the country. The focus of the workshop was to discuss how these communities can achieve reliable electricity supply through mini-grids, and how our tools can support them in developing mini-grid electrification plans.

The motivation of this Communities of Practice Nigeria project, which is funded by the Internationale Klimaschutzinitiative (IKI), is to address electricity poverty in Nigeria. Many Nigerians suffer from electricity poverty, particularly in rural areas, where only 30% of the population has access to electricity. Within the Communities of Practice project in Nigeria, we are working to empower five communities across Nigeria to initiate, plan and implement their mini-grid projects bottom-up. As a key support element, we are building a web application that provides users with practical tools in the mini grid planning process. For example, the tools will help communities to analyze data, evaluate suitable business models and identify financing options for mini-grid projects that will help securing reliable electricity for community members. As next steps, we will accompany the five communities in forming partnerships and mobilizing finance, as well as sharing lessons learned among their Community of Practice.
-  12.10.2023 We are hiring - Junior Advisor - Climate Projects and Finance (m/w/d)
We are currently looking for a highly motivated, skilled and communicative individual to support our team in Hamburg as Junior Advisor - Climate Projects and Finance (m/w/d). We offer flexible and open working surroundings in a dynamic market for climate change mitigation solutions. Please see our latest job posting for details: pdf the_greenwerk_job_posting_junior_advisor_2023-10.pdf
-  25.09.2023 - the greenwerk. welcomes Hannah Braun as Advisor for Mitigation and Climate Finance
welcome-hannah-cropped__1695630116.jpgWe are excited to announce a valuable addition to our team: Hannah Braun joins the greenwerk. as Advisor for Mitigation and Climate Finance to support the team with GHG mitigation projects and carbon footprinting.

Prior to joining the greenwerk., Hannah acquired valuable skills and insights as a CSR Consultant at a prominent German strategy and communications consultancy. Her expertise encompasses developing sustainability strategies for clients in real estate, transportation, and renewable energy sectors and the calculation of GHG Protocol-compliant company carbon footprints. Before this, Hannah worked as a Junior Advisor at an international development consultancy on infrastructure and financing projects, and interned at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) New York office.

When she is not advocating for climate change action, you can find Hannah practicing Yoga (preferably outdoors), exploring new destinations through travel and watching Friends on a rainy day.

Hannah's passion and expertise make her a valuable addition to the greenwerk. team as we continue our commitment to promoting sustainable development and GHG mitigation. To learn more about Hannah’s expertise and previous work experience, have a look at her profile here.
-  31.08.2023 - Enhancement of energy efficiency in Albania’s NDC Update
ndc_alb__1693474416.jpgIn cooperation with the Urban Resources Institute, experts from the greenwerk. have supported the enhancement of Albania’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The enhanced NDC features improved energy efficiency measures as well as improved monitoring processes.
The enhanced of Albania’s NDC was part of a GCF Readiness financed activity package, comprised of:
-  22.06.2023 - Stakeholder engagement for community-driven mini-grids in Nigeria at the Intersolar Conference in Munich
cp-nigeria_projekttreffen__1687422228.jpgIn Nigeria, around 80 million people lack access to electricity. Particularly rural areas suffer from energy poverty with only 30% of the people having access to electricity. The country faces complex energy challenges, including the unreliable electricity supply from the national grid that is further exacerbated in the context of a growing population and thus growing demand for electricity. This challenging situation demonstrates the need for decentralized solutions – such as renewable mini-grids or solar home systems.

the greenwerk., together with the consortium partners Reiner Lemoine Institut and the Clean Technology Hub, is working on empowering communities across Nigeria to initiate mini-grid implementation, placing a community-driven process at the centre. Last week, the project team met at the Intersolar Conference in Munich to conduct stakeholder interviews and co-create the core elements of a toolbox for community-driven mini-grid implementation. The toolbox will be tailored to the needs of a community-driven, bottom-up process that increases social, environmental and economic sustainability. The next step will be to elaborate implementation plans for mini-grids in five communities and a workshop-series in Abuja, Nigeria.
-  13.06.2023 - The GEF approves project to Achieving a Rapid Decarbonization of the Energy Sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis supported by the greenwerk.
img_1365.jpeg__1686657568.jpgSt. Kitts and Nevis are implementing a series of initiatives and investments with the aim of moving towards 100% renewable electricity generation. However, the country faces several barriers to achieve this target. A key challenge is to build a comprehensive enabling environment that can support St. Kitts and Nevis in managing and achieving a transition to decarbonization in a controlled and resilient as well as economically, socially and environmentally viable manner. the greenwerk. supported St. Kitts and Nevis in this mission through proposal development for a GEF project that sets out to accelerate the national decarbonization. The project, which was approved by the GEF CEO on May 11, aims to achieve this objective through a transition towards 100% renewable electricity generation and 100% high energy efficiency public buildings. The project-based decarbonization and transition towards 100% renewable electricity generation, present an important step in St. Kitts and Nevis’ vision to become one of the first Caribbean countries to achieve net-zero emission of its electricity grid.

the greenwerk. has prepared the GEF CEO Endorsement Document for UNEP, the implementation agency, and the executing entity, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment. We are pleased about the approval and hope for a positive impact for the energy transition sector in St. Kitts and Nevis.
-  13.05.2023 - the greenwerk supported the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) with a training on how to develop proposals and implement projects in light of the GCF’s new Integrated Results Management Framework (IRMF)
1__1685633900.pngFrom May 9th to May 11th, Stefan Wehner (Founding Partner of the greenwerk.) and Jannik Landwehr (Advisor for Climate Finance) provided a training on the GCF’s new Integrated Results Management Framework (IRMF) to staff of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). During the training at the bank’s headquarters in Barbados, the greenwerk. strengthened the knowledge of participants from several units on the implications of the updated framework for the GCF proposal development and project implementation. The training explained the interplay and relevance of the IRMF throughout each step of the GCF project cycle. Through practical recommendations and interactive working session, the greenwerk. captured the participants’ interest and engaged them in a successful learning experience.

The training was commissioned in light of the changing requirements mandated by the GCF. The GCF uses a results-based management approach to continuously monitor the performance of approved projects and programmes, as well as inform and update its portfolio. The IRMF supersedes the previous framework, being effective from the 32nd meeting of the GCF board (May 2022) onwards. The changes in the results-based management approach have direct implications for GCF proposal development and project implementation.
-  17.04.2023 - Advancing GCF Readiness in St. Vincent and the Grenadines through Readiness Needs Assessment and Action Plan
svg_schrift_rot__1681715028.pngthe greenwerk is supporting St. Vincent and the Grenadines with its Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Needs Assessment. The Caribbean island state is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures, increased frequency of droughts, sea level rise and coastal flooding, ocean acidification and increased impacts from hurricanes. To further enhance its climate resilience, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is seeking to access the GCF. In harnessing resources from the GCF Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, important foundations for receiving international climate finance support are currently being created. The Readiness Needs Assessment aims to identify further areas for preparatory support, including capacity building, strengthening the policy environment, pipeline development as well as information, data and knowledge. Consultations with key stakeholders were held by the greenwerk in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines in March 2023, to inform a strategic long-term readiness action plan.
-  27.03.2023 - Increasing urban resilience with GCF multi-country Concept Note
38ca7bfb57b6fb9b4ab264783ca00f55__1679924976.jpgCaribbean states are highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly in their cities and urban areas. For addressing key vulnerabilities and build critical capacities of their urban areas, Caribbean states need to access international climate finance. To pave the way for accessing the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the greenwerk. and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center jointly supported Belize, Jamaica, Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis in conducting a Climate Finance Mapping, a Needs Determination and elaborating a GCF multi-country Concept Note. Our work was commissioned by the Caribbean Development Bank. It built on a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process with consultations and a regional workshop in Barbados, where our team recently presented and discussed the project findings and final results.

Photo credit: Montego Bay, Pinterest
-  08.02.2023 - Presentation at 100% Renewables Conference Nepal
3ba70a7872c9b249471d374dc0091656bd38057e.jfif__1675869703.jpgIn the end of last year, our founding partner Michel Köhler attended the 100% Renewables Conference Nepal, which was organized by Prakriti Resources Centre (PRC), the World Wildlife Fund Nepal (WWF Nepal) along with Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC). The conference sought to discuss both chances and challenges of South Asia in pursuing a low-carbon development pathway and achieve a 100% renewable energies future. As an expert in renewable energy policy, Michel Köhler presented the experiences made in applying policies and funding mechanisms to foster renewable power deployment in the context of the German Energiewende.
-  25.01.2023 - Master course module on international climate finance at Berlin School on Economics and Law (HWR)
hwr_teaching__1674653303.pngDuring this winter semester 2022/23, the greenwerk was teaching a module on international climate finance for master’s students at the Berlin School on Economics and Law (HWR) . The module is part of the degree in Business Management – Green Energy and Climate Finance. Over the course of three sessions, Björn Dransfeld and Lena Dovidat discussed various themes, ranging from global climate governance and current state of affairs in international climate finance to practical means of accessing climate finance. Yesterday, we completed the module with a group assignment that engaged students in developing their own case studies for climate finance proposals.
-  30.11.2022 - GCF Readiness Needs Assessment and Long-term Action Plan completed
screenshot_2022-11-30_at_17.30.56__1669826711.pngTo pave the way for accessing the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the greenwerk. supported the Caribbean Island Nation St. Kitts and Nevis in elaborating a GCF Readiness Needs Assessment since May 2022. The final Readiness Needs Assessment Report identifies existing needs and prioritizes areas for future GCF Readiness funding. The greenwerk. also formulated a long-term action plan for GCF Readiness funding to guide and structure future GCF Readiness Proposals. The consultancy was commissioned by the GCF Delivery Partner organization Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC). Our work built on a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process with consultations and technical workshops.
-  22.10.2022 - GCF approves CAF’s E-Motion Project
pae224-buses-cropped__1669126832.jpgGCF Board approves CAF’s E-Motion Programme for e-mobility and low carbon transport: Earlier this week, the Green Climate Fund's Board has approved the funding proposal E-Motion: E-Mobility and Low Carbon Transportation (FP195), developed by CAF - banco de desarrollo de América Latina with support by HINICIO and the greenwerk. The Programme aims to strengthen the e-mobility conducive ecosystem in Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The project invests in large scale e-bus fleets, deployment of light electric commercial vehicles, and fast charging infrastructure. We are pleased about the approval and hope the project will accelerate the deployment of e-mobility solutions, reduce GHG emissions, and connect cities and communities through clean, safe, and reliable transportation options.

Photo credit: electric & hybrid vehicle technology international https://www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com
-  17.08.2022 - UNIDO GEF Project approved: Sustainable energy systems for urban-industrial development in South Africa
nghe8178__1669124584.jpgTo support South Africa’s NDC target to accelerate the decarbonisation of the country’s the energy transition in Industrial Parks (IPs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) towards sustainable energy demand and supply will be key. The transition will be assisted by “Sustainable energy systems for urban-industrial development in South Africa” project recently approved by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This project aims to support South Africa in initiating a transition to sustainable energy investments and practices at industrial production facilities. the greenwerk. has prepared the PIF and the GEF CEO Endorsement Document for UNIDO, the implementation agency, and in close cooperation with the National Cleaner Production Center in South Africa (NCPC-SA). We are pleased about the approval and hope for a positive impact for the energy and industry sector in South Africa.

Further information can be found at the GEF webpage: “Sustainable energy systems for urban-industrial development in South Africa”
Photo credit: ELIDZ (https://www.elidz.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/NGHE8178.jpg)
-  15.05.2022 GEF approves funding proposal on electric mobility in Grenada
10629_em_grenada_problem_tree_2022-01-26_lo__1652829829.jpgThe GEF has approved the electric mobility project “Accelerating the introduction of low-emission and climate-resilient electric mobility in Grenada”. The child project under “Global Programme to Support Countries with the Shift to Electric Mobility” can now start execution, an important step for Grenada towards greening its energy and transport sector. the greenwerk. has prepared the GEF CEO Endorsement Documents for UNEP, the implementation agency, and in close cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Physical Development, Public Utilities and Energy and Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Public Utilities, Transport and Implementation. We are pleased about the approval and hope for a positive impact for the energy and transport sector in Grenada.

Further information can be found at the GEF webpage: Accelerating the introduction of low-emission and climate-resilient electric mobility in Grenada
-  20.04.2022 Climate Finance Tracking: Workshop for public sector officials in Seychelles
seychelles_ws_2__1652346068.jpgIn April, experts from the greenwerk. participated as trainers in a hybrid workshop on climate finance tracking with a focus on energy sector finance in Seychelles. The workshop marked the end of the project “Capacity Building on Climate Investment and Financial Flows in the Energy Sector in the Seychelles”, which was commissioned by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) under the NDC Partnerships’ Climate Action Enhanced Package (CAEP). The project was implemented in cooperation with our project partners, the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) as well as two local consultants. The objectives of the project were to develop a climate finance tracking methodology with a focus of energy-related climate finance, including the design of an tracking template, the collection of historical data (2019 – 2021) and the delivery of a training workshop focused on the application of the method and the accompanying tool. The project was coordinated with local public sector entities, including the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade as well as the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, who also represented the target group for the training. The activities represent a starting point for the island state to strengthen transparency in relation to climate-relevant financial flows and the country aims at establishing the relevant institutional prerequisites and to expand the tracking approach to other sectors.
-  17.11.2021 - CFAS Policy Briefs: Discussing Art. 2.1c and access to finance
bildschirmfoto_2021-12-14_um_11.29.55__1639478653.jpgIntense negotiations at COP26 have shown that finance it still at the heart of raising ambition for climate action. Ahead of the conference in Glasgow, the Climate Finance Advisory Service (CFAS) published two policy briefs, addressing the alignment of all financial flows with the Paris Agreement and access to finance. The policy briefs were developed in cooperation with partners from CFAS and have been funded by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). This year’s briefs were partly based on roundtable formats, trying to reflects upon insights from a wide variety of stakeholders involved in the negotiations. In the week prior to COP26, the results of both policy briefs have also been presented in an webinar format. During the conference, the results of the publication on “Access to climate finance for the most vulnerable” have also been discussed at the COP26 Catalyst For Climate Action Day (9 November).

Take a look at the policy briefs “Making finance flows consistent with the Paris Agreement: Opportunities and challenges concerning Article 2.1c” and “Access to climate finance for the most vulnerable” via the CFAS website, including links to the recordings of the webinars. Here you can also re-watch the presentation by CFAS at the COP26 Catalyst For Climate Action Day (starting at 1:32:00).
-  01.11.2021 New publication: Is 1.5°C within Reach for the Asia-Pacific Region?
assessment_of_ap_climate_ambition_thumbnail__1635795920.jpgCountries in the Asia-Pacific region are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, yet their climate action commitments are also critical to the achievement of 1.5°C goal. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 30 countries in the region have updated their NDCs and 34 have already pledged to carbon neutrality by 2050 or are in the process of doing that. The question remains: Is this enough? The joint report by UNESCAP, UN Women, UNEP and the greenwerk. takes a closer look at the ambition and potential of NDC commitments of the Asia-Pacific countries. The report provides a scenario-based assessment of the collective NDC commitments of countries in the region, as well as their individual commitments to action including net zero goals, carbon pricing commitments and removal of fossil-fuel subsidies. It also explores the steps countries in the region have been taking to build up capacity to enable more action, such as climate finance budgeting, and monitoring and reporting. Further, based on the level of country climate ambition and national enabling environment, the study provides a series of recommendations on how to drive-up national and regional ambition to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

The publication is available on the UNESCAP Website: Is 1.5°C within Reach for the Asia-Pacific Region?
-  30.08.2021 Project completed: Supporting Ghana in the transition towards a Climate Sensitive Government Budget
img-20210617-wa0010__1630350515.jpgDomestic climate finance tracking has been gaining recognition as an important tool to navigate resource mobilisation efforts and to manage finance for climate action most effectively. In Ghana, domestic climate finance tracking has been introduced in 2016, including the development of supportive tools to document climate finance from both public and other sources. Under the ADAPT’ACTION Facility, Expertise France and Agence Française de Développement have been supporting Ghana, among other countries, since 2017 in the institutional, methodological and operational implementation of their commitments in relation with climate change. To further enhance the effective application of climate finance tracking in Ghana, the project “Supporting Ghana in the transition towards a Climate Sensitive Government Budget” has been funded by the ADAPT’ACTION Facility. Implemented from March to July 2021, the project had the overall objective to support the Ministry of Finance of Ghana to monitor and facilitate access to climate change finance by national public institutions, private sector and civil society organisations (CSOs). This involved the following activities: An analysis of the status quo of climate finance tracking in Ghana, including recommendations for a way forward, the development of “Guidelines for climate finance mobilization” with a specific focus on suitable sources for the Ghanaian context and the design and implementation of trainings on both climate finance tracking and climate finance mobilisation for public sector staff (Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA) officers) as well as for representatives from private sector and CSOs. To deliver these activities, experts from the greenwerk teamed up with Germanwatch e.V., KASA Initiative Ghana and local consultant Ms. Lotte Westermann. In addition, the delivery of trainings has been supported by trainers of the Ministry of Finance. In recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our trainings were conducted in a hybrid format, involving in-person workshops conducted by our local experts with an integration of virtual inputs by international experts.

Rewatch the trainings on the Facebook page of Kasa Initiative Ghana: Kasa Initiative Ghana
-  04.02.2021 Off-Grid Renewable Energy for Climate Action – Pathways for change
seite-44_figure-10_300__1612456418.pngMichel Köhler & Dr. Philipp Blechinger (Reiner Lemoine Institute) have published an Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) guest editorial on 'Off-grid Renewables’ Smart Local Impact on Communities & Entrepreneurship' and how decentralised solutions support resilience towards crises such as COVID-19.
Editorial builds on findings from our study “Off-Grid Renewable Energy for Climate Action – Pathways for change”, that explores CLEANER, CHEAPER & SMARTER solutions for universal electricity access by 2030 (see figure "Nexus between off-grid RE and livelihoods", the full download is available here). Additionally, the webpage displays electrification scenarios considering investment needs and emission reduction potentials for grid extension, mini-grid deployment and solar-home-system dissemination until 2030 for 52 countries.
-  04.12.2020 Online Seminar: Options for the post-2025 climate finance goal
cfaslogo__1607103379.pngThe formal negotiations on the post-2025 climate finance goal are yet to take off. But taking previous negotiations on climate finance matters into consideration, efforts of navigating all interests towards a satisfying decision should not be underestimated - not to mention the delay already imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of this, the online seminar will address key elements that should be considered for the process leading towards the definition of a post-2025 goal. The event will also look closely at the technical nature of the post-2025 goal, while elaborating on the core quantitative and qualitative elements of a new climate finance target and taking into account lessons learnt from the USD 100 billion commitment

With support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the Climate Finance Advisory Service (CFAS), of which the greenwerk. is part, will host the online seminar on the topic of the post-2025 climate finance goal on the following date:

Thursday, 10th December 2020, 13:00–14:00 (GMT)
Link for participation: Online Seminar - Options for the post-2025 climate finance goal (MS Teams)
List of speakers:
• Lena Katzmarski, GIZ
• Raju Pandit Chhetri, Prakriti Resources Centre
• Sven Harmeling, CARE International
• Michel Köhler, the greenwerk.
Moderation: Björn Dransfeld, the greenwerk.

The webinar is connected to the forthcoming publication of a policy brief on the topic, which can be downloaded from the CFAS website: CFAS Policy Briefs
-  03.12.2020 New publications: Options for integrating sustainable development and carbon market mechanisms
publikationen_uba_11_2020__1607006064.jpgTogether with the New Climate Institute, the greenwerk. has co-authored two reports on the promotion of sustainable development in carbon market mechanisms for the Federal German Environment Agency (UBA). The first report takes a general look at sustainable development impact assessment in the context of climate change mitigation mechanisms, while the second one focuses on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The reports are available at the UBA webpage: Indicators for the promotion of sustainable development in carbon market mechanisms and Indicators for sustainable development under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement .
-  23.09.2020 Education for Sustainable Development is key... in all areas
barbados_post__1600846426.jpgBarbados embarked on an energy revolution, moving towards 100% RE supply by 2030 and transforming the country to the first carbon-neutral island state in the world. To achieve this ambitious objective, Barbados requires enhanced capacity of the involved key stakeholders, institutions, and its educational sector. Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the greenwerk. and its consortium partners RENAC AG, GSEC Ltd. and ew-consult are supporting the enhancement of RE related aspects on sustainable energy education in primary and secondary school education as well as in training, certification and licensing of the vocational sector. Furthermore, key stakeholders such as the responsible Ministries, small-scale and large-scale investors, the utility and RE industry will receive trainings by the greenwerk. experts in the upcoming months.
-  31.05.2020 Virtual GCF trainings and stakeholder engagement workshops for West Balkan region
news__1591895205.pngDespite the COVID-19 pandemic and the related travel ban, we are still supporting our partners and clients around the globe in moving forward finding responses to the climate change challenges ahead of us. As many others, we had to move our engagement to virtual interactions though. We have just finished a serious of virtual trainings and stakeholder engagement workshops for identifying priority project for the GCF in the West Balkan region on behalf of UNEP using innovative IT technologies for connecting people. Even in these difficult times, we stand ready to help raising the ambition towards mitigating climate change impacts!
-  13.02.2020 CLIMATE2020 – announcing the 7th Climate Change Online Conference
climate2020_logo__1581602825.jpgFrom 23-30 March 2020, the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) will host the 7th Climate Change Online Conference, in short CLIMATE2020. The conference aims at providing a platform for experts from the academic, political, economic and social sectors as well as interested individuals to discuss the latest insights on how to tackle climate change – the greatest challenge of our century. It will inform participants about the latest research published on the matter and showcase best-practice examples from mitigation and adaptation strategies and projects currently under implementation. As it will take place online, participants from all over the world are invited to take part, enabling a truly international dialogue. Our experts Björn Dransfeld and Christine Nettersheim will support the conference with two webinars on the topics of international climate finance and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Follow this link to register and get more information about the programme of CLIMATE2020.
-  07.02.2020 A Comprehensive Strategy towards 100% Renewable Energy in Seychelles and an Innovative Finance Approach
cover__1581088440.jpgRead our new articles in the Seychelles Research Journal: A Strategic Approach towards 100% Renewable Energy in Seychelles and Exploring the Potential of the Seychelles Pension Fund to Finance the Renewable Energy Transition.

The energy systems of Seychelles and other Small Island Developing States rely highly on fossil fuels, which comes with high expenditure for fuel imports. The potential for using renewable energies in Seychelles to overcome this dependence is significant, but which has, so far, been utilized only to a limited extent. This unfavourable situation and the island’s vulnerability towards the adverse impacts of anthropogenic climate change raises the economic rationale for a transition towards renewable energy deployment.

Out first article (A Strategic Approach towards 100% Renewable Energy in Seychelles) summarizes how, under a comprehensive energy and financial strategy, the transition can be facilitated. Seychelles has set some renewable energy targets for the future and the government has articulated a long-term strategy to achieve a 100% supply of domestic energy supply through renewable energies by 2035 under the Seychelles’ 100% Renewable Energy Strategy (SeyRES 100). To achieve this ambitious target, a well-coordinated national energy roadmap is required in order to trigger national action and mobilize international support for an initial phase of the sector transformation. It defines policy measures, technology requirements, finance mechanisms and capacity development necessities for the successful implementation of renewable energies.

A successful transition of the Seychelles’ energy system towards 100% renewables by 2035 will require a substantial mobilization of private capital. Our second article (Exploring the Potential of the Seychelles Pension Fund to Finance the Renewable Energy Transition) assesses the potential of the Seychelles Pension Fund (SPF) to cover the required energy infrastructure investments. It reveals that SPF’s existing institutional set-up and operational structure could mobilize up to USD 60 million of cumulated capital volume for the energy transition by 2030. Under consideration of adjusted contribution rates or benefit payments that would stabilize SPF’s operation in the long term, up to USD 170 million could be allocated. This would equalize more than 40% of the total energy transition investments. A qualitative discussion of related impacts suggests that such SPF investments could address potential conflicts around the energy transition through enabling economic participation and democratization of infrastructure assets. While stable and attractive revenues could reduce investment risks, protect national energy infrastructure and sustain SPF’s operation, a diversification of current real estate investments might also create distributional drawbacks. As precondition for enhanced SPF engagement, the Fund’s operational staff requires more capacity and the Government has to provide a comprehensive enabling environment before substantial investment decisions can be taken.

Read the article here in the current issues of the Seychelles Research Journal
-  20.01.2020 Renewable Energy Off-Grid Explorer - Visualization of Electrification Scenarios until 2030
off-grid__1579530630.jpgUniversal Access to Electricity by 2030 cannot be achieved by grid extension alone. Grid extension is often slow, expensive, provides unreliable service and it increases reliance on fossil-fuel based electricity generation. What we need are CLEANER, CHAPER & SMARTER solutions, if we want to ensure that access to electricity is provided sustainably and universally until 2030. Additionally, we need to strengthen international commitment to implement these solutions on a larger scale. Researchers at the Reiner Lemoine Institute (RLI) and the greenwerk. have developed feasible country-level scenarios for the deployment of off-grid renewable energy solutions that mitigate climate change, are more cost-effective than grid extension approaches and leave no-one behind. The analysis has shown that the realization of these scenarios is accompanied by significant economic and social dividends to those most in need, which can propel development and build resilience to climate change.

Find our report and interactive scenarios for 52 countries at the Renewable Energy Off-Grid Explorer webpage.
-  04.12.2019 New policy brief and webinar on Determining the Needs of Developing Countries
bildschirmfoto_2020-01-11_um_00.43.34__1578700072.jpgCFAS Policy Brief on Determining the Needs of Developing Countries to Implement the Paris Agreement and the Convention. Ever wondered how developing countries may determine their support needs in terms of finance, technology and capacity building? Read the latest policy brief by CFAS.

CFAS Policy Brief on Determining the Needs of Developing Countries to Implement the Paris Agreement and the Convention

We have also discussed our insights during a webinar in late November 2019. Find the recording and accompanying slides here:
WEBINAR: First Needs Determination Report
-  28.11.2019 CFAS Policy Brief - Transparency of Support
bildschirmfoto_2020-01-11_um_00.36.40__1578699444.jpgGetting ready for COP25: Together with our partners from the Climate Finance Advisory Service Hashtag (CFAS), we had a look at the ongoing debate around the development of a new Common Tabular Format (CTF). Read our policy brief to get more insights on the matter.

CFAS Policy Brief - Transparency of Support – Development of the Common Tabular Format
-  25.09.2019 Workshop "Indicators for sustainable development in carbon market mechanisms post 2020"
800px-sustainable_development_goals__1569419314.jpgOn September 20th, the greenwerk. together with the New Climate Institute hosted the workshop "Indicators for sustainable development in carbon market mechanisms post 2020”. On behalf of the German Environment Agency / German Emissions Trading Authority, the greenwerk. and New Climate Institute assesses opportunities to measure and track sustainable development in the context of GHG mitigation projects, through the identification of practical solutions and concrete proposals for the implementation of sustainable development indicators in GHG mitigation activities. At the workshop, intermediate research findings were presented and dbeated with experts and climate negotiators to discuss opportunities and challenges for demonstrating sustainable development under future market mechanisms.
-  12.09.2019 MRV Framework Guidance for District Energy Projects published
image-cover-website-11092019539__1568308166.pngRead our latest publication. This guidance prepared for the UNEP District Energy in Cities Initiative on measuring, reporting and verifying (MRV) enables projects and cities to track progress and the impact on city-wide district energy systems (DES). The guidance facilitates the monitoring of projects’ impacts, proposing a broad approach to MRV that addresses 1) greenhouse gas emissions and 2) sustainable development. In particular, city authorities and relevant stakeholders (utilities, private sectors, etc.) shall be able to evaluate planned and implemented projects with regards to mitigation impacts and sustainable development benefits.

MRV is particularly relevant in the context of Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) development and implementation, national and local low emission strategies and Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) as well as other mitigation mechanisms. Hence, the focus of the guidance is on the assessment of emission reduction and sustainable development impacts. The eventual adoption and adaptation of the MRV framework to the city and project specific situation is carried out in an individual MRV Plan prepared based on this guidance.

You can access the guidance on webpage of the District Energy in Cities Initiative: Latest Publication of the District Energy in Cities Initiative or directly MRV Framework Guidance for District Energy Projects
-  New publications on climate finance 29.11.2018
-  the greenwerk. offsets its carbon footprint - 21.11.2018
-  Innovate 4 Climate (I4C) - 19.05.2018
-  Seychelles' 100% Renewable Energy Strategy 23.03.2018
-  Green Banking 14.12.2017
-  20th Sustainable Development Conference 12.12.2017
-  Achieving 100% Renewable Power Supply for Small Island Developing States (#SIDS) 26.11.2017
-  Side event at the #COP23 20.11.2017
-  2nd National Workshop on Innovative Climate Finance Mechanisms for the Financial Institutions in Sri Lanka 10.11.2017
-  Read our Policy Brief on how international climate finance can unlock the potential towards 100% renewable energies 09.11.2017
-  Meet us @ the COP23 07.11.2017
-  New report: Status quo of international Adaption Finance 06.11.2017
-  New report: Transparency of Support Received 20.05.2017
-  the greenwerk. @ the #COP23 03.11.2017
-  Proud to be part of the CTCN 20.10.2017