Campaigning for more intelligent use and production of energy in Europe

Intelligent energy production and consumption will change the European energy landscape forever. This is the message of the Campaign Sustainable Energy Europe 2005-2008. It will also promote better living standards, stimulate economic growth, create jobs and enhance the competitive position of European industry on world markets.

Energy consumption in the European Union continues to rise, and we are becoming increasingly dependent on imported fossil fuels, which affect negatively the security of energy supply in Europe. This increase in the use of fossil fuels also has a negative environmental impact. We need to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions and slow down the process of global warming.

It is for me a great pleasure that the launch of this public awareness campaign, can support the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol on 16 February 2005.

In future energy supply and demand in Europe will have to make significant greater use of renewable energy sources and focus more on energy-efficient methods. This is and will be the energy sector’s contribution in the fight to halt the depletion of natural resources and prevent climate change, to improve environment and public health as well as ensure economic and social growth.

Today, we can be proud of the fact that Europe is already a leading developer of technologies in efficient heating and cooling, combined heat and power and industrial processes, as well as in renewable-energy fields, such as wind and photovoltaic energy. Solar thermal technologies, biofuels, energy efficient building applications and renewable powered or high-efficiency district heating applications are all gaining new markets. Experiences in European regions and cities, however, have proven that encouraging wider uptake of such systems is not simply a question of major research and demonstration efforts, but of raising awareness. In other words, our task is now to persuade both consumers and key decision-makers of the benefits of intelligent sustainable energy production and use.

On behalf of the European Commission and in my role as Commissioner responsible for energy, I am deeply committed to the success of this Campaign and I ask you to join us in our efforts.