Clean energy does not mean less economic success, says Germany's energy minister.

Germany has called on its G7 counterparts to show 'emerging countries' that clean energy is not related to negative economic growth. Sigmar Gabriel was speaking at a meeting of G7 energy ministers in Hamburg. 

Sigmar Gabriel, German Minister for Economy: "As industrialised countries, we have to show the emerging countries that it's possible to have a sustainable energy system which is not tackling in a negative way our industrial development and economic growth. Only when we will be able to show that environmental engagement and industrial success and economic success is able to, that we are able to put them together, then we will find followers and then maybe developing countries and emerging countries will be able to accept a global agreement in Paris."

Germany is leading the way as one of the world's most energy efficient countries, and Gabriel said environmentally friendly technologies were becoming a driver for economic growth.

Sigmar Gabriel, German Minister for Economy: "Wind turbines, both onshore and offshore, are an innovative and environmentally friendly technology. They already cover ten percent of German electricity consumption and they have also become an important factor in terms of jobs and the economy."

Germany, which currently holds the presidency of the G7, will conclude the two-day energy ministers' meeting with a news conference on Tuesday. A G7 summit of heads of governments is scheduled in southern Germany for early June. 

Thanh Xuan