Renewables: Fuelling Europe’s competitiveness and cohesion
Posted by on 14/02/11
Fondation EurActiv organised for Tuesday 8 February a EurActiv Debate on renewable sources of energy and green innovation. The debate was hosted in the European Parliament by MEP Claude Turmes and organised with the support of the Assembly of European Regions and GE Energy.
Programme:
Following the presentation of the EU Energy 2020 strategy and the Communication on Energy Infrastructure Priorities, EurActiv invites policymakers and stakeholders to debate the evolving role of renewables and green innovation in Europe’s energy mix:
- What is still missing for eco-innovation to be fully integrated in European economies and deliver on its promises – dramatically reduced CO2 emissions and local, green jobs? How can European regions and local communities grow their economies by switching to green energy?
- What infrastructure upgrades are needed to integrate energy generated at small to medium sized plants? How adequate is the investment framework presented in the Commission’s Communication on Energy Infrastructure Priorities?
- The market will deliver only part of the investments required. Which forms of financing will be available to Member States and regions to support renewables? What role will national subsidy schemes and feed-in tariffs play to improve the investment climate? How can the reformed EU structural funds and cohesion policy contribute?
Contributors included:
- Claude TURMES, MEP;
- Philip LOWE, Director General, DG ENER;
- Mel KENDAL, Executive Member for Environment, Hampshire County Council, Assembly of European Regions;
- Arne MOGREN, Director, European Climate Foundation;
- Magued ELDAIEF, Director UK & Executive Director Global Accounts, GE Energy.
Moderator: Frédéric SIMON, Editor, EurActiv
Chair: Julian OLIVER, Secretary General, Fondation EurActiv
EurActiv’s lunchtime Stakeholder Workshops bring together 25 senior stakeholders from EU institutions, industry, and civil society to discuss specific EU policy issues.