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European Conference for Renewable Energy: |
Organised by the European Commission in collaboration with: |
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Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety |
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EREC (European Renewable Energy Council) and its member associations |
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EUFORES (European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources) |
The Conference was under the high patronage of:
Loyola de Palacio, Vice-President of the European Commission, Commissioner for Transport and Energy
Jürgen Trittin, Federal Minister for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Germany
Video Recordings - CTO Awards Ceremony
Download the Conference Programme (453 Kb PDF)
Téléchargez le programme de conférence (622 Kb PDF)
Downloaden Sie das Konferenzprogramm (622 Kb PDF)
Questions to be addressed by the Panels (29 Kb PDF)
Europe is at the forefront of renewable energy development world-wide and has significant experience in the formulation of proactive policy measures in this area. Renewable Energy Sources make a major contribution to sustainable development and - through using locally available resources - to security of energy supply. Renewable Energy deployment is part of the answer to solve many economic and environmental problems by contributing to secure jobs and income, avoiding environmental damage and therefore providing for a valid means to fight against climate change. From the market point of view, the European renewable energy industry has a lead position in the world and is one of Europe's fastest growing sectors with a current annual turnover of more than 10 billion €..
The Community and its Member States have laid down clear objectives for renewable energy by 2010 - a share of 12% of renewable energy in gross inland energy consumption, a share of 22% for green electricity and a share of 5.75% for biofuels. Legislation has been adopted in order to reach these objectives. Soon the enlarged Union will be a reality and a common Renewable Energy policy framework and objectives will be shared by 25 European countries while other European countries are also committed in a similar process. Further, adding force to the international commitment, the European Union is at the heart of the Johannesburg Renewable Energy Coalition, grouping industrialised and developing countries which are determined to work together on the basis of clear, ambitious and time bound targets to substantially increase the global share of renewable energy sources.
Building on previous efforts and achievements, and in order to realise the mid-term targets, further analysis and concerted efforts on political, legislative, administrative, social, cultural, economic and marketing aspects are required in order to achieve a sound long-term development of renewable energy sources.
The European Conference for Renewable Energy: 'Intelligent Policy Options' pursues a two-fold objective:
Working towards the World Renewable Energy Conference in June 2004 in Bonn, the conference will tackle renewable energy strategies for Europe in a larger sense encompassing the Union, its Accession and Candidate Countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and the Western Balkans, and is part of the Johannesburg Renewable Energy Coalition roadmap of regional initiatives. The conclusions of the debate will be delivered, together with those from regional conferences in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The Conference opened with the addresses of the Patrons, Madame Loyola de Palacio, Vice-President of the European Commission, Commissioner for Energy and Transport and Jürgen Trittin, Federal Minister for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. In addition, a number of leading personalities outlined the main challenges to Renewable Energy policy implementation and progress up to now, and prepared the ground for the conference debates.
Round tables were then held on the following themes:
Theme 1 reviewed the Campaign for Take-Off for Renewable Energy (1999-2003), including challenges and driving forces and offer a showcase for key initiatives in cities, regions and islands in Europe in order to help other communities on their way towards developing their unexplored renewable energy potential.
Theme 2 focused on the different policies and legislation related to Renewable Energy in the Union and other European countries, focusing on three main fields: electricity, heating and cooling, and biofuels. Questions will be raised and answers will be given to topics such as barriers to market penetration, competitive pricing, financing and support schemes.
Theme 3 built upon the previous days' debates and come up with recommendations and targets for Europe for 2020. Once agreed, these will become Europe's contribution to the Johannesburg Renewable Energy Coalition and will be conveyed to the World Renewable Energy Conference in Bonn.
The debate on each theme was led by a moderator who ensured that the discussion (involving panelists and participants) and the outcome were both productive and well-balanced.
Campaign for Take-Off Award Ceremony Announcement (605 Kb PDF)
19th January 2004 - 19.00: For the 4th and final time under the Campaign for Take-Off for Renewable Energies, the European Commission rewarded the foremost achievements in the field of renewable energies in Europe and beyond. The Awards Ceremony took place in Berlin on 19th January 2004 on the occasion of the Renewable Energy Conference at the same venue in Berliner Congress Center.
The Conference was transmitted live on the Internet through the European Commission ManagEnergy web streaming services, which are devoted to the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Full video recordings will be made available on the Internet after the Conference. Hence, the Conference presentations and discussions as well as interviews with the honourable guests and main speakers will be available on this site for one year.
The conference will bring together many key players from the public and private sector at national and international level, including representatives of European institutions, international, national, regional and local organisations, networks and associations, experts and decision makers from the energy industry, non-governmental organisations, consultants, project developers, universities and other research institutions, financing institutions as well as local, regional, national and international administrations.
Conference Secretariat:
EREC - European Renewable Energy Council
Tel: +32 2 546 19 33 Fax: +32 2 546 19 34
Email: berlin2004@erec-renewables.org
European Commission:
Directorate General for Energy & Transport
Email: Tren-Cto@ec.europa.int
Conference Websites:
www.erec-renewables.org
ec.europa.eu/energy/res/index_en.htm
