While Brussels is revamping into the capital of Sustainable Energy, on the occasion of the annual EU Sustainable Energy Week, AER is launching its Report “Energy security from a regional perspective”, led by Kenneth Backgård (Norrbotten, SE).
Energy security and the role of regions
The report, which presents the experience from regions accross Europe in the development of sustainable energy sources was handed by Mr Jean-Luc Vanraes, President of AER Committee 1 to Miguel Arias Cańete, EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy on the occasion of the Structured Dialogue at the Committee of the Regions.
Renewable energy sources have a strong potential to reduce dependency on external energy imports to Europe, while at the same time contributing to the transition to a sustainable energy system. These resources are spread out across the regions of Europe, and the regional level has a key role in coordinating and facilitating their effective utilisation.
Where it really happens
The development of energy projects does not take place in a vacuum. Projects are integrated into landscapes, regional economies and communities. Particular attention must therefore be given when utilising these resources to ensure there is a proper fit with regional characteristics and specialisations. It is the regional level which is best placed to take leadership in this area. Policies need to reflect regional conditions.
Making a change
Members of the AER working group will meet tomorrow to plan the upcoming steps of the lobbying strategy for the report on energy security, facilitate a stakeholders analysis in the different regions. New collaboration paths will be explored together with the Compact of States and Regions as well as with the R20 and the 100 Solutions Project Campaign. The event will be followed by an Energy Battle at the House of Dutch Provinces, where the report will be distributed too.
Webpage of the event, programme & pictures
