Renewable Energy as a driver to ensure Security of energy Supply for Europe

Speaker: Arthouros Zervos, President of EREC

In order to guarantee security, stability and prosperity in and around Europe, the Brussels European Council (23/24 March 2006) stressed that an ambitious and coherent energy policy was a crucial requirement for the European Union and its 25 Member States.

Such a policy will rely on a common political will and provide the necessary means to collective answers to the economic, social and environmental issues which are the strategic components making up the energy equation.

Indeed, making the most of the energy efficiency potential and implementing a major shift towards renewable energy sources could help the European Union make a significant step forward to becoming much more energy independent and therfore promote sustainability. When embracing the chance to reduce energy dependency, Europe should also consider that renewable energy sources strengthen security of supply, protect the climate, create jobs and entail no hidden external costs. Energy efficiency and renewable sources combined are an excellent means for the EU to boost competitiveness, improve security of supply and protect the environment.

EREC informed us of the means and strategies they propose to employ in order to reach these goals.