EP Hearing, 17.12.2007, Brusselswww.wip-munich.de

““Energy For Cohesion Energy For Cohesion –– E4CE4C””Interim Results Interim Results Dr. Christian Epp

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 2/12

Presentation StructurePresentation StructureØ RE impact on disadvantaged regions in EuropeØ Potential of Structural Funds to support RE

development in the rural environmentØ Framework conditions of the new SF Programme

for RE developmentØ Conclusions: Risks and chances for the extended

promotion of RE through Structural Funds

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 3/12

WIPWIP-- Renewable EnergiesRenewable EnergiesMore than two decades active in the RE sectorInterdisciplinary Staff Based in Munich – projects on international levelFocus on rural development through RE actions

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 4/12

““Energy 4 CohesionEnergy 4 Cohesion””“E4C” lays the ground for the

extended use of Structural Funds for innovative energy actions in the rural environment.

Funded in the EIE Programme

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 5/12

Presentation StructurePresentation StructureØ RE impact on disadvantaged regions in EuropeØ Potential of Structural Funds to support RE

development in the rural environmentØ Framework conditions of the new SF

Programme for RE developmentØ Conclusions: Risks and chances for the

extended promotion of RE through Structural Funds

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 6/12

Best Practice Best Practice ““GGüüssingssing””- 1988: Poorest region of Austria - 1990: Decision of the city parliament for 100 % energy autarcy

-Since then: More then 55 Mio Euro Investment50 new companies with 1000 new jobs200 “study tourists” per week

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 7/12

Energy for development in rural regions Energy for development in rural regions

- Secure and cost efficient energy supply - Strengthening of employment in various sectors- Positive image for the region- Psychological awareness for the own strength

Bioenergy Centre Achentalto reach energy autarcy forAchental in 2020

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 8/12

Presentation StructurePresentation StructureØ RE impact on disadvantaged regions in Europe.Ø Potential of Structural Funds to support RE

development in the rural environmentØ Framework conditions of the new SF

Programme for RE developmentØ Conclusions: Risks and chances for the

extended promotion of RE through Structural Funds

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 9/12

Relevant SF framework conditionsRelevant SF framework conditions+ RE benefits for disadvantaged regions are perfectly in line with SF objectives

+ The financial resources of SF can give a significant push to RE development in entire Europe.

- SF administration is not ideal for RE projects

- SF distribution closely followed by strong lobby groups

à Few RE Best Practice Projects so far

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 10/12

Best Practice Best Practice SalSal’’aa, Slovakia, Slovakia- District heating for 18.000 inhabitants switched from natural gas to biomass (wood and straw)-Significant reduction of heat prices-Very good employment effects

Co-financed by SF through 41 % (in total 11 Mio Euro)

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 11/12

Presentation StructurePresentation StructureØ Positive impact of innovative energy actions for

disadvantaged regions in Europe.Ø Potential of Structural Funds to support RE

development in the rural environment of EuropeØ Framework conditions of the new SF

Programme for RE developmentØ Conclusion: Risks and chances for the extended

promotion of RE through Structural Funds

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 12/12

Framework conditionsFramework conditionsE4C undertook a complete survey of the SF

situation for CEEC, Italy and Greece

- In all countries a priority can be found forrenewable and regional energy supply

- In many countries administrative proceedingsare under reform

à The impact of these changes is to be analysedin view to the concrete project funding

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 13/12

Presentation StructurePresentation StructureØ Positive impact of innovative energy actions for

disadvantaged regions in Europe.Ø Potential of Structural Funds to support RE

development in the rural environment of EuropeØ Framework conditions of the new SF

Programme for RE developmentØ Conclusion: Risks and chances for the extended

promotion of RE through Structural Funds

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 14/12

Risks for RE Promotion through SFRisks for RE Promotion through SF- Risk of market distortion

- Over-regional projects might only have marginal effects for the region

- Too much hope of project developers for SF support

à All risks can be overcome by a clever SF programming design

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 15/12

ConclusionsConclusionsSF are very suitable to RE promotion if the following

requirements are met:Ø SF funding is well adopted to the national RE and RUE

promotion schemes.Ø Focus on projects with infrastructural dimension.Ø Ensuring the sustainable regional development.Main actions should be:à Support of RE project developersà RE training for SF managementà Compulsary regional energy planning

EP Hearing, 17 December 2007, Brussels 16/12

Thank youfor your attention

www.e4c.org