Cieszyn City Energy Days - 19-20 April 2007

In April 2007, Energy Days with a focus on energy education were organised by Ekoenergia in Cieszyn City, Poland. The energy days were attended by around 800 direct participants including pupils, students, local and national government officials, EC representatives and local businesses. Public events were also attended by many other local citizens.

Think Globally Act Locally: Fourth International Pupils’ Conference 2007 in the area of Sustainable Energy “Renewable Energy in Theory and Practice”
This conference for students was held in the Czech part of Cieszyn City on the 19th April and the Polish part of the city on the following day. The conference covered energy saving, renewable energy, hydrogen and fuel cell technology, as well as CO₂ and climate change issues. Pupils participated from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Finland. Interest was also expressed by pupils from Bulgaria, Hungary, the Cameroon and Nepal. Unfortunately, problems with visas and other practicalities meant it was not possible for them to travel to Cieszyn City. Maybe next year.

Climate change films
Simultaneously, during the 19th and 20th of April, a cinema in Cieszyn City showed films about global climate change issues. The films were viewed by participants of conference, other local and pupils and members of the community.

Energy Education Presentation to local Schools children
On 20th April an education programme on energy was presented to children from local primary schools. This was carried out by students from Silesia University, using KidsCorner online education resources.

Competition for 'alternative fuel' vehicles
Also on the 20th April, in the market place in Cieszyn City, a competition was held for 'alternative fuel' vehicles. The competition featured a hydrogen car presented by Vysoká škola báňská - Technická Univerzita Ostrava, Czech Republic and a hydrogen scooter presented by the Institute Electrotechnik, Wrocław, Poland.

Workshops for local and regional governments
Workshops on the application of renewable energy in Silesian Region included presentations on how to develop an Energy Agency, information on the new Intelligent Energy Europe programme, and the proposed H-com project in Cieszyn City.

Following the success of the Energy Days, the organisers received many invitations from schools and local government to lecture about climate change and energy issues. And many further information events will be held throughout the year.

The organisers are now preparing for Energy Days in Cieszyn City April 2008. Further information.