"Energiewende" for beginners

Reporters Without Borders and Clean Energy Wire invite journalists in exile in Germany to participate in a workshop on Germany's energy policy transition

on 17 June 2016, 9 a.m - 7 p.m.
at the offices of Clean Energy Wire
Rosenstraße 2, 10178 Berlin

Energy and climate policy are central themes in German society and in German politics. Many foreign observers find it relevant and interesting that a highly industrialised country like Germany is shifting its energy system from coal and nuclear to renewables. This important project comes at a time when the world is trying to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Against this backdrop, the German "Energiewende" (energy transition) is of interest to many journalists who have recently come to this country.

The one-day media workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the following issues:

• What are the key facts journalists need to know about the Energiewende? How relevant is it from a global perspective?
• How is reporting on energy and climate topics different to other fields of journalism? What are its practical aspects? And how relevant is energy and climate journalism for journalists reporting in and from Germany?
• Which role does the Energiewende play for normal citizens? How does the regular citizen become involved?
• Wind and solar are becoming increasingly important sources of power generation: What does this mean for the security of electricity supply? And what does the transition from a highly centralised power system with a handful of large power plants to a system with thousands of windmills and solar panels mean for grid operators?

With on-site visits to projects and meetings with experts and citizens, participants will get an overview of key themes of the German energy transition.

Who can take part and how to apply?

The media workshop is open to journalists in exile who have recently settled in Germany. A background in energy and environmental journalism would be an asset, but is not a must.

Please apply by 7 June 2016 at the latest. We will inform you by 9 June 2016 whether your application has been successful. To apply, please use the template on the CEW website.

What are the costs?

Participation in the media workshop is free of charge. All expenses during the workshop, including food and transport, will be covered by the organisers. Please note that participants are kindly asked to organise their own travel to and from Berlin and must cover their own travel expenses. In specific cases and upon application, Reporters without Borders can provide funding support for travel to and from Berlin.

What languages will be spoken?

Presentations during the workshop will be either in English or in German. German-English translations will be provided.