Germany is one of the largest solar producers in the world despite being among the countries with the least sunshine hours. In 2018, the share of renewable energy in Germany has grown up to 40 % from less than 5 % in 2000 with a mix of wind energy, biomass, solar energy and off-shore wind energy. Dr.Thomas Prinz, the Director General of German Institute Taipei said Germany has worked closely with Taiwan in the area of renewable energy adding that Taiwan has been expanding offshore wind development and Taiwan can be seen as a stepping stone into Asia Pacific.