is the head of Climate Economics at DIW Econ. She is an economist and energy sector expert with a special focus on low carbon development and international climate policies. Since more than 20 years she advises firms and governments on energy regulation, energy efficiency, renewable energies, low carbon development strategies and policies including emission trading.

Petra Opitz has a rich international experience in implementing large and complex international projects as well as hands-on experience in developing mitigation projects and programs in Europe, CIS, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Iran, Brazil and Tunisia. Before joining DIW Econ Petra Opitz headed the international division of DENA – the German Energy Agency. She studied in Berlin and Moscow and holds a Ph.D. in Economics.
She is member of the Board of Trustees of the Stiftung Zukunft des Kohlenstoffmarktes (Foundation Future of the Carbon Market).

is the an expert on low carbon growth strategies in emerging economies and Managing Director of DIW Econ. He has more than 20 years of experience working as an international economics consultant, advising firms, governments, associations and research institutions. Furthermore, Lars Handrich has a rich experience in implementing large and complex projects in Europe, CIS, ASEAN, Central Asia, Southern Africa, the Near East, and the Gulf region.Lars Handrich studied social sciences at Humboldt University Berlin, Duke University, the London School of Economics and Oslo University. He holds a Ph.D. from Humboldt University Berlin.