Regional Workshop on Renewable Energy in the Carpathians

A Collaborative Initiative between UNIDO, UNEP Vienna ISCC and the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians and supported by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the Ministry of Environment of Ukraine, the Lviv State Regional Administration and the Ministry of Economy and Transport of Hungary.

Background

Most of the countries in the Carpathian region are endowed with diverse energy resources including renewables. However, their energy sectors are characterized by serious constraints and they are largely dependent on the import of external sources of energy such as natural gas and oil products. At the same time, there is a high potential for the production of renewable energy from various local sources in this region. The main sources of energy in these countries are biomass and hydropower. Since production costs are much lower than in Western European countries, these countries could contribute to EU targets on renewable energy sources. In recent times, also other sources of renewable energy such as wind and solar have become relevant in specific areas of the Carpathian region. On/off grid energy supply systems based on various renewable sources of energy have already been installed and supported by some of the national and local governments of the region and the European Commission.

Objectives

The workshop aims at establishing a viable network between the EU and non-EU countries of the Carpathian region to share knowledge and exchange experiences on the current status, barriers and opportunities to harness vast potential of renewable sources of energy in the region.

Participants

The workshop will bring together 40-50 representatives from the governments of the Carpathian Convention countries, from research institutions, SMEs and private
sector companies, universities, NGOs active in the field of renewable energy. In addition, focal points and observers of the Carpathian Convention as well as participants from multi/bilateral agencies and organization will attend the event.

Expected Outputs

• Preparation of a base-line report on renewable energy policies and financial instruments in the EU and non- EU member countries of the Carpathian
  Convention;
• Identification of a regional cooperation programme to promote renewable energy development; and
• Promotion of a regional level renewable energy Partnerships/network of institutions and agencies involved in renewable energy to strengthen regional
  cooperation in the field of renewable energy