Minister of State Killeen represents Ireland at a Major U.S. Government Conference in Developing Renewable Energy
Dublin, 07.03.2008 - Irish Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
The Washington International Renewable Energy Conference is the largest international platform for Government, private sector and NGOs to address the challenge for developing renewable energy technologies.
The conference is hosted by the US government and was addressed by President Bush. There was also senior representation from the US Departments of State for Energy, Agriculture, Commerce and the Environment Protection Agency.
Ministerial level delegations from more than 100 countries addressed the key drivers of developing global renewable energy production and use including debates on Market Adoption and Finance; Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development; Technology, Research and Development and National and Local Government policy initiatives.
While attending the conference Minister Killeen gave the opening keynote address at the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) meeting. Ireland is one of the first countries to join the international partnership which is based in Vienna, Austria. Funding from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (through SEI) and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is used to support renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
Minister Killeen said, “Ireland particularly valued the local stakeholder partnership model which is used by REEEP in development projects. Encouraging and empowering local stakeholders to take an active role in developing projects in their own communities is the best way to ensure the long tern viability of projects”. Minister Killeen went on to say that “Projects funded by Ireland such as the Solar Thermal energy project in Uganda makes a real difference to the quality of life of local people”.
Minister Killeen concluded by saying, “It is important that developing countries can put in place a more secure low-carbon energy system to underpin their economic and social development. It is critical that fully developed countries like Ireland play their part in transferring cleaner energy technologies to developing countries”.