posted by System Administrator on 10/14/06

Aimed at all stakeholders in the energy debate, the 2nd Annual European Energy Policy Conference is part of a 5-year commitment to the development of debate and critical discussion on the issues surrounding the energy industry, energy policy, sustainability and relations with the wider energy industry. Key issues covered include security of supply, LNG, renewables, investment climates, emerging markets, global energy consumption, energy efficiency, EU ETS and current projects in place that are helping to drive forward cleaner production of energy. REEEP's International Director, Marianne Osterkorn, presented at the event.

The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) is an active, global public-private partnership that structures policy and regulatory initiatives for clean energy, and facilitates financing for energy projects. Backed by more than 200 national governments, businesses, development banks and NGOs, REEEP is uniquely placed to contribute to international, national and regional policy dialogues. Its aim is to accelerate the integration of renewables into the energy mix and to advocate energy efficiency as a path to improved energy security and reduced carbon emissions, ensuring socio-economic benefits.

With a network of 8 regional secretariats and more than 3,500 members, REEEP has the ability to affect change worldwide. The partnership has funded more than 50 high quality projects in 44 countries that address market barriers to clean energy in the developing world and economies in transition. These projects are beginning to deliver new business models, policy recommendations, risk mitigation instruments, handbooks and databases.

The partnership's goals are to:

1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
   
2. Deliver social improvements to developing countries and countries in transition, by improving the access to reliable clean energy services, and by making REES more affordable
   
3. Bring economic benefits to nations that use energy in a more efficient way and increase the share of indigenous renewable resources within their energy mix.
   

REEEP was conceived at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in August 2002 and was developed via an intensive consultation process in 2003 covering a wide range of stakeholders at the national and regional levels. In June 2004, the REEEP was formally established as a legal entity in Austria with the status of an International NGO.

The partnership is funded by a number of governments including: Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, The United States and the European Commission.

REEEP's regional secretariats provide access to best practice in policy and finance to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. REEEP's International Secretariat engages political, financial and business support to reduce the risk inherent in implementing new policy and financing initiatives.