On 28 January the European Commission will launch the second EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW 2008). It is the world’s largest open forum on sustainable energy bringing together stakeholders on a local, regional, national and European level to debate strategies for a more sustainable future in terms of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, clean transport and alternative fuels. From 28 January to 1 February 80 events in eight countries are organised by more than 100 key industry and social players.
“Today it is clear to everyone that energy efficiency and greater use of renewable energy sources are the main response to climate change and alleviate the risks of Europe’s energy import dependency. But we can be successful in tackling climate change only when we manage to bring together all stakeholders and increase real citizen participation – this is what Sustainable Energy Week is all about,” said European Commissioner for Energy Andris Piebalgs.
The EU sustainable Energy week will follow the adoption on 23 January by the Commission of an ambitious set of measures responding to the challenges of climate change and reiterating Europe’s role in assuming leadership towards reaching a low carbon society.
With its second edition, the EU Sustainable Energy Week will address key strategies and stakeholders’ initiatives for a more sustainable future, covering the new EU energy policy package, intelligent technologies and a less energy-consuming lifestyle, transport and urban mobility, carbon capture and storage, energy performance of buildings and appliances, photovoltaic technologies, cogeneration, international cooperation, and much more.
One of the many highlights of the week will be on 28 January when representatives of the EU, of big retail companies, of certain utilities and light bulb producers[1], in the presence of the Commissioner, will sign an agreement to facilitate the distribution of several dozen million energy efficient light bulbs throughout Europe. On 29 January Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs together with representatives of European cities will endorse the start of the Covenant of Mayors.
There is a formal commitment by the cities to reduce their CO2 emissions beyond the EU 20% objective. Almost 100 cities throughout Europe, including 15 capitals, have expressed their willingness to join this initiative.
The European Sustainable Energy Week is organised by the Commission under the umbrella of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign (SEE).
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