Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) scored particularly well in energy projects according to its latest evaluation report, which analyzed around 150 projects from the past two years.
The energy portfolio averaged 1.97 on a scale where 1 is best and 6 is worst, making it GIZ’s top-performing sector. Overall, 60% of projects were rated as very successful or successful, with an average score of 2.5 across all sectors. Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, GIZ’s Vice-Chair, said “international cooperation opens doors for German and European businesses, mitigates the causes of displacement by creating prospects, and promotes stability and security.” Independent experts conducted the evaluations using internationally recognized criteria, though stricter quality requirements led to a slightly lower overall average than two years ago.
GIZ works on energy transition projects in more than 60 countries on behalf of the German Federal Government and international clients. The climate and energy sector represents the organization’s largest priority area, with projects embedded in national strategies of partner countries. Hoven explained that “our partners have a vested interest in cost-effective, clean energy” as they want to become more competitive and climate-resilient. This alignment with partner country priorities helps explain why energy projects perform so well in evaluations compared to other sectors.
The organization sees itself as a bridge between public and private sectors, creating conditions for private investment in partner countries. German companies are developing green hydrogen projects in developing countries with GIZ support, tapping into new markets and building supply chains. In Mexico, a German company from Wiesbaden is planning a large production facility scheduled to start operations in three years. A project developer from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is working on Brazil’s first biogas plant that produces biogas from livestock manure and upgrades it to biomethane.
These green hydrogen and biogas projects can produce fuels that could eventually be transported to Germany, creating win-win situations for all parties involved. GIZ provides specialist knowledge and connects partners through networks built over many years in partner countries. The agency’s wide-ranging portfolio contributes to the global energy transition while supporting German businesses in accessing new markets. Private sector cooperation has become important for driving forward clean energy transitions worldwide.
Hoven stressed that transformation toward more climate-friendly living is possible through “consistent, evidence-based and fair action” with international cooperation being “an investment in our future.” The evaluation results show GIZ’s approach of aligning with partner country strategies while connecting public and private sectors produces measurable results. The organization helps people and societies shape their own futures while improving living conditions through sustainable development and international education programs.
