Lineup of energy transition leaders, media entrepreneurs and journalists promises lively debates at #GETJO19

Andreas Kuhlmann, head of the German energy agency, dena, and Scott Clavenna, co-founder and chairman of Greentech Media, will kick-off #GETJO19 with first-hand insights from shaping the energy transition and keeping a close eye on the companies involved. Their keynotes will set the scene for two days of discussions and lively debate with some 100 journalists and a growing list of first-rate expert speakers from media, business, NGOs and science. For the grand finale, Sparknews founder Christian de Boisredon will tackle how solutions-oriented journalism can make a difference, and present impressive examples of the international media cooperation his initiative has triggered. [Click for full programme and list of speakers. Sign up.]

Andreas Kuhlmann and energy agency dena are household names in the debates about the Germany’s Energiewende, never shy of taking a clear position on why businesses should get stuck in to the transition and why government should listen to their needs. As a governmental organisation, dena has positioned itself as the "agency for the applied energy transition", working with policymakers and companies alike on market instruments and innovative business models. Andreas is plugged in to the capital’s energy politics through his previous work in parliament and government, as well as for energy industry lobby BDEW, and will give #GETJO19 insight into the business landscape of the energy transition and the trends to watch out for.

Greentech Media founder Scott Clavenna, meanwhile, will offer ideas on how journalism can best cover the rapidly changing business landscape. Launched as a digital provider of integrated news and research, Greentech Media now is part of energy research and consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie. With his experience as a media entrepreneur and previous work as an analyst, Scott can not only shed light on the major trends, he also has compelling ideas for how journalists can report on the rise of a new industry and contribute to a new business model without becoming entangled in business interests themselves.

On Monday, Sparknews founder Christian de Boisredon will suggest a different approach to making journalism part of the solution to global problems. Inspired by his own travels, Christian wrote a book about the solutions to the world’s big challenges. He has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious media on solution-oriented stories, creating a cross-border drive to break with the media’s traditional, problem-focused approach. His inspirational experiences also raise questions about journalistic ethics and professional standards.

These keynotes are just the icing on an exciting line-up at the #GETJO19: Top climate economist Ottmar Edenhofer, former editor-in-chief of Handelsblatt Global Andreas Kluth, BIZZ-energy magazine founder Joachim Müller-Soares, head of the Berlin office of Germany’s KfW bank Sabrina Schulz, and Kerstin Rippel from grid operator 50Hertz are just a few of the names who will bring a whole range of views to the debate. Last but certainly not least, our fellow journalists from across the globe will be able to voice their ideas, over what we are looking forward to as an inspiring and fun two days.