Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen will visit Europe and the United Arab Emirates to promote investment in Australia's clean energy sector, strengthening energy security ties, and furthering bilateral climate and energy partnerships.
During the 10-day visit, Minister Bowen will hold high-level meetings with ministerial counterparts, industry and private sector leaders in Abu Dhabi, Vienna, Berlin, Rotterdam, Brussels, and Paris.
Discussions will include a focus on energy security with clean sources of energy in response to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, which has caused the global energy crisis, and cooperation to urgently tackle the climate crisis.
Minister Bowen will also engage with business groups and prospective investors to position Australia as a renewable energy superpower by highlighting the benefits of investing in Australia's clean energy industries and developing strong, secure clean energy supply chains, as well as partnering on cutting-edge clean energy research and development.
This potential is already recognised by European investors - investment by European companies comprises 20 per cent of total solar and wind energy generation projects in the Australian grid.
Minister Bowen will deliver a keynote address at the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels and engage with industry at a European Australian Business Council event in Brussels.
In Abu Dhabi, the Minister will meet with COP28 President and Special Envoy for Climate Change Sultan al-Jaber, to support efforts for this year's COP and lay the groundwork for an impactful COP31, which Australia is bidding to host in partnership with the Pacific in 2026.
"I am looking forward to promoting Australia's clean energy ambition in Europe and the UAE, and meeting with energy leaders to discuss their responses to the global energy crisis," said Minister Bowen.
Minister Tanya Plibersek will be acting Minister for Climate Change and Energy in the Minister's absence.
