The Role of Regional Cooperation in Energy Transition and Upscaling Renewable Energy

Following the discussion on Regional Renewables Cooperation in 2015 and 2016, it is our pleasure to invite you to a policy debate on Thursday, 26 January, in the European Parliament. Our organisations, the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s EU Office and the World Future Council, are happy to announce this event co-hosted by MEP Benedek Jávor (Greens/EFA), MEP Jo Leinen (S&D) and MEP Carolina Punset (ALDE).

The objective of the event is to demonstrate the benefits and forms of regional cooperation and the enabling environment for energy transition at micro and macro-level.

Background:

Renewable energy sources (RES) have to play a predominant role in the EU’s future energy mix in order to ensure a competitive, secure and sustainable energy system. Nevertheless, not only does the current policy and regulatory framework lack ambition, but also the foreseen changes in the context of the Energy Union Winter Package seem to hamper this urgently needed transition.

There is however one mechanism that could scale and speed up action: regional cooperation.

Various European institutions have repeatedly called for regional cooperation in order to strengthen the Energy Union, given its enormous potential for cost and system benefits. Besides, beyond the realm of energy policy the regional approach can make “more Europe” attractive again, bringing the EU closer to its citizens and unifying the Member States.

Studies/projects to be presented:

• Driving forward regional cooperation in the 2030 renewables framework
• Report from the study tour in the North Sea region, presentation of policy recommendations

Alternative and sustainable energy scenarios for Hungary – presentation of the benefits of greening the energy system, exploring the possibilities of a regional cooperation, and providing policy recommendations for Hungary to be followed by reflections from Paula Abreu Marques, European Commission, DG Ener, Head of Unit, Renewables and CCS Policy.

A full agenda will follow shortly.

When: 26 January, 2017, 9.30-12.00

Where: European Parliament, room ASP5E1, 1047 Brussels, Rue Wiertz 60

Please save the date and register here for the event before the 16 January. Seats are limited!