Think green when looking to the future of energy, say participants at OSCE Mediterranean Contact Group meeting in Vienna

VIENNA, 12 June 2017 - Energy security as a precondition for economic growth and stability in times of economic and political uncertainty was the focus of the OSCE Mediterranean Contact Group meeting held today in Vienna.

“We must think green when looking to the future of energy in the Mediterranean region,” said the Chairperson of the Contact Group, Permanent Representative of Italy to the OSCE Alessandro Azzoni. “This meeting is an opportunity to showcase contributions to energy security in the Mediterranean region by the private sector, governmental agencies and civil society.”

Azzoni said that with projections of a 48 per cent increase in world energy consumption by 2040 and in view of the political uncertainties over climate change agreements, the need for a forward-looking dialogue on alternative energy sources is timelier than ever.

“The Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region has one of the highest rates of energy consumption per capita in the world,” said Azzoni. “Discussions today focused not only on energy security but also on the legal and investment framework and the importance of diversity in energy governance.”

Panelists representing the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (MASEN), the Slovakian Center for Energy Systems (CESYS), the Egyptian incubator of social enterprises Nahdet El MAhrousa and the International Renewable Energy Agency engaged in discussion with participants from OSCE participating States and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.

“Investing in entrepreneurship can help provide the much-needed increase in energy supply in Egypt,” said Jacqueline Kameel, Managing Director of Nahdet El Mahrousa. “The increase in population, technological innovation and national projects to support industry, coupled with the government programme to cut subsidies on energy, are all offering opportunities for entrepreneurs to start companies that produce clean and renewable energy.”

“Energy security is a precondition for economic growth and stability. Without predictable, reliable and economically sound energy supplies, regional economies cannot prosper. That is why energy security forms an important part of the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security,” concluded Azzoni.