Projects in brief

Making heating more efficient

EUROPE Heating and refrigeration account for the largest proportion of energy consumption in the European Union (EU). It is therefore especially important to ensure that this consumption is environmentally friendly and does as little damage to the climate as possible. In this context, GIZ is implementing the KeepWarm project with 10 partners in seven central and eastern European countries, with funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (GA No. °784966). The project’s activities include promoting the exchange of ideas between experts and the operators of district heating systems, developing business models for modernising heating systems, and supporting policymakers in adapting their climate strategies.

Promoting biogas

INTERCONTINENTAL Biogas is a renewable energy source and as such a climate-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. It can be used to produce heat and fuel as well as electricity. Despite this, biogas is not yet as widely used as it could be. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (GA No. °857804), GIZ is coordinating the Digital Global Biogas Cooperation project (DiBiCoo). The project brings together 13 organisations from nine countries across four continents. It aims to promote the use of this climate-friendly energy source by making more knowledge about biogas and its technical potential openly assessible, to build trust between actors through a digital matchmaking platform, and develop skills on the ground through training and pilot projects

Supporting beekeeping

GLOBAL Beekeeping plays a key role in conserving our ecosystem, combating hunger worldwide and guaranteeing our future survival. Digital tools can make a major contribution to strengthening the sector’s position. This is where the Smart Apiculture Management Services project (SAMS) comes in. The project is coordinated by GIZ, with funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (GA No. °780755). The focus is on developing a modular monitoring system for beehives tailored to the local situation in Ethiopia and Indonesia, and implementing a cloud-based system that offers beekeepers advice and support with decision-making. This will not only strengthen the sector but also identify potential for innovation along the value chain and support a range of stakeholder groups, including women, in earning a living.

Halting the flood of waste

SOUTH-EAST ASIA Increasing amounts of plastic waste are ending up in our seas. If this does not stop soon, then it is estimated that by the middle of the century, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans. To try to halt the deterioration, GIZ is working on behalf of the EU and BMZ with seven Asian countries. It is involved in around 20 pilot projects with the objective of improving waste management, reducing plastic and changing consumer behaviour. The aim is to create a circular economy.

Leave no one behind

TURKEY Almost four million refugees live in Turkey. This places a huge burden on the country but particularly on those directly affected. To enable individuals and families in greatest need to survive day to day, GIZ is providing support on behalf of the EU, for example with bureaucratic procedures, legal advice and, where necessary, psychosocial support. The principle of ‘leave no one behind’ applies here too.

Supporting climate action

WORLDWIDE Setting up climate councils in Brazil, supporting Russia with its decarbonisation process and promoting exchange with South Africa on energy policy – all these initiatives and more are taking place on behalf of the EU and BMU as part of SPIPA, a programme supporting non-European G20 countries with the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement. Efforts to reduce emissions within Europe are crucial, but the EU produces less than 10 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Slowing down global warming requires other major emitters to reduce their own emissions as well. SPIPA is cooperating in this area with 15 countries.