Sharing green energy

As we approach Copenhagen we need to focus not only on targets for reductions of emissions... but on how these reductions can be made feasible. Alongside greater energy efficiency, a greater use of renewable sources of energy will be essential to any meaningful implementation of an international climate deal.

Renewable energy is not a miracle solution to the challenges of combating climate change and reinforcing our energy security. It is unlikely to replace traditional hydrocarbon resources. It is, however, an essential precondition for slowing the depletion of these traditional fossil fuels.

Renewables are an available option nearly everywhere in the world, with each region having greater or lesser scope for energy production from solar, wind, hydro or biomass sources. Our task in the 21st century is to find the technologies necessary to exploit these energy sources efficiently and cost effectively.

The EU was the first global actor to adopt legally binding targets for renewable energy, energy saving and emission reductions. But our efforts will only have a meaningful impact if pursued alongside similar efforts elsewhere. And the reality is that our own targets may only be achievable with the development of an international market in renewable energies.

This is why the European Commission has worked hard in recent years to build energy partnerships with our neighbours in the Mediterranean and in the Gulf. Many of these partners have abundant hydrocarbon resources and have therefore neglected the alternative sources of energy they could otherwise exploit, in particular solar.

With this in mind I will host on Friday in Brussels a conference on renewable energy with partners from the Mediterranean and the Gulf, building on the work we have already started for instance with the Mediterranean Solar Plan and our partnership with the Gulf Co-operation Council.

There are four key challenges to which we have to find answers:

• boosting research and development on renewable energy, in particular for green electricity generation and related technologies;

• developing the necessary electricity infrastructure at national/regional/interregional level;

• creating a legislative and regulatory framework for renewable energy with a transparent level playing field for green electricity trade; and

• building a regional common policy in the Mediterranean and Gulf with clear targets for renewable energy and financial support mechanisms where appropriate, based on the EU internal market.

The EU is offering its partners concrete help in creating an integrated market, based on a common framework of policies, legislation and regulation. EU expertise and experience can help our partners maximise their tremendous potential for solar and wind energy.

By doing so not only can we address their and our rapidly growing energy demand, we can also bring additional revenues to local economies through the jobs created by a new economic sector and green electricity exports to the EU. Above all, by sharing green energy technology, we can together ensure future generations enjoy the same right to stable and reliable energy that we have always done.

Ms Ferrero-Waldner is the European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy.