UP TO 200 delegates from all over Europe are set to attend a major sustainable energy conference in Cork next month.
Energie-Cités, in conjunction with Cork County Council, is to hold its 13th annual rendezvous as well as its annual general meeting in Cork County Hall from April 9th to 11th.
This year's theme is "Towards Europe's sustainable energy future - local authorities are ready to act". With members in 24 countries and representing more than 500 towns and cities, Energie-Cités is the association of European local authorities to promote local sustainable energy policies.
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan, Cllr Tom Sheahan, Mayor of the County of Cork, and Eckart Wurzner, Mayor of Heidelberg and president of Energie-Cités, will perform the official opening and participate in the opening plenary session.
Last January the European Commission presented the Climate Change and Energy package, based on the decisions taken by heads of states at the European Council of March 2007.
They decided that by 2020 member states must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent; increase energy efficiency by 20 per cent and achieve 20 per cent of renewables in overall EU consumption, including 10 per cent of total vehicle fuel consumption covered by biofuels.
Energie-Cités says these objectives stand a chance of being achieved if local authorities commit themselves to taking practical measures to redirect their local development policies. Examples of practical actions and political commitments needed to achieve such objectives will be presented to the Cork participants.