European Conference on Local Energy Action
The Annual Event of Energy Management Agents in Europe
26-27 November 2003, Brussels, Belgium and on the Internet

• Conference Conclusions
• Organise a Local Media-Conference
• Evaluate this event
• Further information about this event

Video Recordings - Day 1
Video Recordings - Day 2

Round Table Chat Transcript

For more information please contact : info@managenergy.net

The actual event in Brussels was attended by a total of 450 energy actors from energy agencies, local and regional authorities, development agencies, regional offices, associations, ...

Conclusions from Day 1 of the Conference

Conclusions from Parallel Sessions - Day 2 - Common Objectives under Structural Funds

Mr Gonzalo Molina Igartua, Head of Unit for Demand Management, Energy and Transport Directorate-General, European Commission

Download the Conclusions from Day 1 of the Conference (22 Kb PDF)

European level

1. The proposed European constitution will, unlike the existing Treaties, include an Energy chapter. This is important since it means that new energy activities may in future be initiated without the need for justification based on Treaty articles concerning research and the environment. Energy is now recognized as of great importance in its own right.
   
2. The best way to increase the security of energy supply is through energy saving. Controlling demand decreases the need for the infrastructure associated with conventional energy sources and increases opportunities for Renewables. The greater the contribution of Renewables, the easier it is to manage energy demand independently of world markets and prices. Recognition of this automatically means that Europe should move in the direction of energy saving and demand management. This requires global policies that can then be implemented through local action.
   
3. The urgent need was emphasised to adopt the fine detail of the Lisbon declaration. If we wish to create a more dynamic and sustainable community, create more and better jobs, and higher economic growth rates, we have to act at local level. Local actions can contribute more to the global objectives than action at any other level.
   
4. We have heard that the European Parliament will monitor energy in the same way as is being done for telecommunications activities. This is pleasing, since the more importance given to energy, the better it will be for energy action at the local level. Hence, it is very important to consider the European dimension of such local action in weighing the relative priority to be given to the various activities we try to promote between yourselves (the Energy Agencies and other local and regional energy actors) and us (the Commission).

Local and regional level

The municipalities understand that they are expected to undertake activities in the energy field. Hence, the proper place has to be found for energy actions within the town hall agenda. Intelligent Energy - Europe and ManagEnergy will provide valuable support for these activities through local and regional energy agencies and other local energy actors. These in turn will support municipalities in defining their input on energy matters within their policy mix.

As far as Renewables are concerned, the decisions to establish new renewable based energy production plants, or energy consuming entities are made at various levels. These may reflect local, regional or national policies. Major barriers to adopting renewable energy appear at all levels. Hence, in order to achieve the Community's objectives it is necessary for various actors to deal with 'packages of barriers' through remedies that they are promoting in their everyday work at local and regional levels.

In relation to the transport sector, the way cities are adopting new initiatives is an essential factor in reducing energy consumption in the transport sector. This includes urban and inter-urban planning. Ways of reducing the negative impact of transport have to include concrete actions such as mobility management and the definition of goals for future action. This local action has to continue with further capacity-building actions.

Accession & Candidate Countries

It is clear that we cannot transpose solutions directly from the existing EU Member States to the new countries entering the EU next year. Specific targeted action is necessary. Hence, it would be beneficial if activities undertaken at local level in the present Member States were to contribute to the definition of instruments for the new Member States. In future global thinking, particular attention should be given to considering how to convince local authorities to work on energy projects on the basis of experience gained from those which have already produced useful results.

Download the Conclusions Parallel Sessions - Day 2 (31 Kb PDF)

The parallel sessions focused on:

• Integration of energy objectives into local development;
• Directive on energy performance and buildings;
• Ensuring adequate contribution of transport sector to the use of energy.

The conclusions from these parallel sessions will form an essential element in the preparation of the work programme for ManagEnergy activities in 2004.

Conclusions in seven points:

1. Energy Agencies should give particular attention to the implementation of Directives that can have a significant impact at a local level. These include:
   
   Buildings - The Directive on energy performance of buildings can become a major field of activity for local actors. Agencies and other local actors can also play a major role in supporting its implementation. The provision of information to owners and tenants on building standards and labels, as well as the provisions arising from the Directive in certification of buildings and in the inspection of equipment are the key work areas.
   
   Transport - There is a need to support the Directive on bio fuels at local level, possibly through joint activities with local transport bodies.
   
   Electricity - There is a need to make known and encourage initiatives to meet targets set in the White Paper on renewable energy sources in relation to energy demand.
   
   
2. There is a need to continuously improving advice, motivation, technical support and training activities in order to achieve measurable results. Priority will be given to education initiatives, for children, young people and teachers.
   
   
3. Partnership is an essential element of EU funded activities, but many projects could be also regarded as "business opportunities" for energy agencies in providing public services.
   
   
4. We promote local activities through the slogan "Think Globally - Act Locally". More weight has to be given to the concept of global thinking by National Associations of Energy Agencies, as well as by the Reflection Group, in order to identify opportunities for their members to act at local and regional levels.
   
   
5. With relevance to Energy Intelligent - Europe programme, there is a need to develop local energy indicators in order to develop more efficient local activities as follows:
   
   Building sector
   
   • During next year, special effort and attention should be given to the Accession and Candidate countries to enable them to profit from the knowledge and experience that lies within the established Member States.
   • Local action to support the Directive on energy performance of buildings is a priority.
   • Retrofitting of social housing is a key area that deserves immediate attention.
   • There is a real need to increase the number of sustainable buildings in Europe.
   
   Transport sector
   
   • It is important to facilitate the development of mobility plans for schools, industry etc.
   • The relationship between local energy actors and Regional Development Agencies should be improved through better co-ordination of activities. Better links between local and regional groups can facilitate development in the use of renewables in transport and other sectors. They can also lead to increased energy efficiency.
   • It should be noted that the STEER programme is open for the training of agencies on the energy aspect of transport.
   
   Horizontal actions
   
   • The tasks within the Horizontal Key Action 2 in the Intelligent Energy - Europe programme will provide a major reference of activity for energy local action.
     
     
6. ManagEnergy should continue playing greater role in the sharing of information. The link between energy agencies and municipalities should be reinforced. Municipalities could be more active in the energy field. This could be achieved in collaboration in joint actions with energy agencies and other local actors.
   
   
7. Energy agencies are often well placed with links to municipalities as an essential element of their implementation strategies. However, there is still a need for training in the management of agencies, especially for those that started only a short time ago, and even more so for those that are expected to start up in the near future.