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Snares, Surprises, and Successes: Learning from Germany’s Experience with Renewables took place in Berlin and Hamburg, Germany, from October 13 to 17, 2025. The program examined Germany’s national approach to renewable energy and the lessons Southern states can draw from its successes and challenges in advancing clean energy.

With renewable energy production rapidly expanding across the South, states are well positioned to benefit from a growing industry. Understanding how other countries have navigated energy transitions can help Southern policymakers anticipate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Through meetings with German officials, site visits, and policy discussions, participants explored strategies that have shaped Germany’s renewable energy landscape and workforce development efforts.

Sessions in Berlin included briefings with the German Federal Foreign Office and the German Energy Agency (dena) on clean economy transformation and energy policy. Participants met with representatives from the Brandenburg Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy and Climate Protection to discuss regional implementation efforts and with officials at the U.S. Embassy to explore transatlantic collaboration in the clean economy.

In Hamburg, participants visited the Hamburg Port Authority’s Sustainable Energy Hub, toured HafenCity to examine sustainable urban planning, and met with experts at the Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub to learn about Germany’s hydrogen roadmap and workforce reskilling initiatives. Site visits also included the Novocarbo Carbon Removal Park and the SunFarming Research Center, where participants studied biochar technology, agrivoltaics, and the integration of renewable energy in agriculture.

The program was presented in partnership with adelphi, a leading German think tank on climate, environment, and development policy.