ISES Award to Robert Habeck presented at DGS 50-year celebrations

On October 17, the German Society for Solar Energy (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sonnenenergie - DGS) celebrated 50 years since the society was founded by German solar pioneers in 1975. Since 1976, the DGS also is the official section of ISES in Germany and membersy of ISES and the DGS have been closely cooperating for many years. 

To celebrate, members and guests gathered in Berlin and enjoyed a night of commemorative speeches from renowned solar experts, music, laughter and shared the many memories made over the last 50 years. 

On behalf of ISES, Prof Klaus Vajen (Immediate Past ISES President, University of Kassel, Germany) joined the festivities and brought with him a special addition to the night's programme: the presentation of the ISES Global Leadership Award in Advancing Solar Energy Policy in Honour of Hermann Scheer to this years winner, Dr. Robert Habeck, former Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and former Vice Chancellor of Germany.

Prof Vajen, head of the ISES Awards Committee 2025, introduced the award and this year's winner to the audience, followed by a special video message to the attendees by Dr Habeck, in which Dr Habeck addressed the critical need for solar and renewable energy as a measure not only for prosperity but as a critical key to safety, independence and freedom. 

On behalf of ISES, Prof Vajen expressed our pride in presenting this award to Dr. Habeck for his extraordinary achievments in advancing solar and wind energy in Gemany, his unwaivering dedication to the advancement of renewable energies in Germany, Europe and throughout the world and highlighted how that these accomplishments were achieved amid the challenges of the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine — making his leadership all the more commendable and deserving of this recognition.

The nomination of Dr Habeck for the ISES Global Leadership Award in Advancing Solar Energy Policy had been brought forth by the DGS, so it was a special honour to present the award at their 50-years celebration! 

Below, please find some impressions of the night (photos by DGS) as well as the full video message by Dr. Habeck on receiving the award. (in German). 

Photos: Frederik Ferschke/Jörg Sutter/DGS e.V.