16-05-2014
Event 'Community and cooperative energy: successes and potential', 27 May 2014, Brussels
While the debate continues around what energy targets are being set for the EU, citizens and communities are already involved in creating the energy transition. These community energy projects hold the key to overcoming the barrier of public opposition to Renewable Energy. This event will explore some of the ways that citizen energy is working and some of the policy challenges that need to be overcome to allow people power to fulfill its potential.
When: Tuesday 27th May 2014, 9.30 am - 12.30 pm
Where: Aloft Hotel, Place Jean Rey, 1040 Brussels
Organised by: Friends of the Earth Europe
Programme
9.30 am-10.45 am
Successes and potential of community energy projects
This panel explores the diversity and potential of community energy projects.
• Dirk Vansintjan, member of board of directors of Ecopower, Belgium 'The characteristics of the most successful community energy project'
• John Fogarty from Templederry: windfarm in Ireland 'How community energy projects can succeed in challenging legislative environments'
• Caroline Julian, Head of Research at Respublica Think Tank 'The potential scale of community energy projects'
10.45-11.00 COFFEE BREAK
11.00-12.30
Debate: What does the 2030 climate and energy package do for citizens?
This debate will cover what kind of legal framework is needed for community energy to grow
Chaired by Barbara Lewis: Energy Specialist at Reuters
• Joachim Balke, DG energy 'What role people play in EU renewables policy?'
• Josh Roberts, Client Earth 'Recommendations on what kind of legislative environment can facilitate more citizen engagement in Renewables'
• Alexandre Roesch, Policy officer of the European photovoltaic association (EPIA) 'Challenges faced by renewable developers on different scales'
12.30 NETWORKING LUNCH
The event will be followed by a buffet lunch with an opportunity to continue the discussion
This is an event is organised by Friends of the Earth Europe as part of the community power project, a project in 12 European countries aiming to put people at the heart of increased renewable energy. For more information check out www.communitypower.eu
The event is free but please register here. For any questions about the event please contact Molly Walsh at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
