Regions pursuing innovative energy solutions with another MORE4NRG seminar

Valencia (E), 7 May 2009.

Getting the right energy mix, moving on to higher energy efficiency and cutting down on energy consumption have been recognized by the European Union as the key measures to successful environmental management. In addition, the ambitious “3x20%” objective aims to shield Europe from potential energy breakdowns and to provide it with greater security of supply. It is evident that the responsibility for ensuring the achievement of these targets will fall to a great extent upon local authorities.

Regions are undoubtedly driving forces for ideas and concrete experiments for sustainable development; however, they still encounter myriad difficulties when it comes to the implementation of renewable energy technologies and promotion of energy efficiency.

How to overcome problems resulting from complex authorization procedures? What types of incentives should be implemented to expand clean energy applications rapidly and cost-efficiently? How to transfer critical knowledge about RES from excellence poles to local enterprises? These were only a few questions addressed by the participants in MORE4NRG seminar which took place on 6th and 7th May. Hosted by the region of Valencia, this conference capped off a series of the 3 state-of-the art seminars, which aimed at collecting and comparing different regional energy strategies.

The 3rd state-of-the-art seminar focused on the factors favoring or blocking the development of RES in the regions of Prahova (R), Lazio (I) and Valencia. Special attention was paid to the following aspects of their energy strategies:

- Political and strategic circumstances for the development of RES
- Legal conditions (national and regional)
- Spatial planning requirements
- Financial provisions
- Technical opportunities (R&D)

The conference culminated in the signature of the letter of commitment by all project partners and launched the partnership with Eurisy, the European association aiming to promote the use of satellite technologies.

Initiated by AER, MORE4NRG is one of the projects approved by the European Commission for further financing under Interreg IVC programme. The Province of Flevoland (NL) is the lead partner in this application.

For more information, please visit the project’s website: www.more4nrg.eu or contact Justyna Podralska, AER Committee 1 Policy coordinator.

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) is the largest independent network of regions in wider Europe. Bringing together more than 270 regions from 33 countries and 16 interregional organisations, AER is the political voice of its members and a forum for interregional co-operation.

Committee 1 contacts:
Justyna PODRALSKA, Policy coordinator, j.podralska@aer.eu - Tel./ Fax : +33 3 88 22 74 37

AER Contacts:
Richard Medic, Spokesperson / Director of Press and Communications, r.medic@aer.eu -
Tel (mob) +33 678 695 235
Francine Huhardeaux, Press and Communications Officer, f.huhardeaux@aer.eu - Tel./ Fax :  +33 3 88 22 74 49