REEEP

Osterkorn delivers keynote at IEF-OFID Energy Poverty Symposium

Vienna, 16.11.2011 - REEEP International Secretariat

Despite a large number of initiatives, little progress has been made in reducing energy poverty in recent years, and according to the IEA, over 1.3 billion people still lack access to electricity. Projections suggest that without a massive increase in investment, the situation could actually deteriorate in the coming decades, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa which accounts for nearly half of those without access to electricity. Against this background, the 2nd International Energy Forum (IEF) Symposium on Energy Poverty in partnership with the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) was held on 15-16 November at OFID’s headquarters in Vienna.

IEF-OFID Symposium 2011

Dr. Marianne Osterkorn, DG of REEEP gave a keynote address at the Symposium. Here is she pictured alongside Noe Van Hulst of IEF and Suleiman Al-Herbish of OFID.

This gathering brought together participants from developed and developing countries, representatives from governments and industry, multilateral and bilateral organisations, finance institutions, and aid agencies to discuss how to address this crucial issue and identify ways and means to help eradicate energy poverty.

Dr. Marianne Osterkorn, Director General of REEEP gave a keynote address to the gathering which went on to cover many specific issues including:

  • What is the actual level of  progress achieved so far in alleviating energy poverty?
  • What kind of technical assistance is needed in least developed countries to achieve reduction of energy poverty?
  • What are the most relevant lessons learnt in combating energy poverty, and how could these initiatives be replicated or adapted for quick and concrete results?
  • What role do governments, international financial institutions, regional banks and national development funds currently play in funding access? What role should they play in supporting sustainable energy poverty solutions?
  • How to make energy projects attractive to investors and energy affordable to final consumers?
  • How can private investment be attracted and how can public-private partnerships be facilitated?

Findings and recommendations of this second symposium will be presented to the IEF members at the 13th IEF Ministerial in Kuwait 2012.