The conference provided an opportunity to discuss the main challenges faced by institutions implementing and those financing large-scale projects aimed at introducing renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. Beneficiaries of the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme shared their experiences in order to facilitate implementation of similar projects in future, therefore contributing to continuation of developments in this area and to high quality of future projects.
Director Beltrani opened the conference and Ms Sylwia Slomiak joined the panel discussion, speaking about Switzerland’s experiences from supporting projects aimed at promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements (donor’s perspective). Additionally, Mr Ricardo Bandli from the Swiss Federal Ministry of Energy presented Switzerland’s support mechanisms available to Swiss municipalities and towns aimed to trigger and facilitate low emission programmes and sustainable development strategies. Mr Bandli also joined the panel discussion. Other participants of the panel discussion included representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development and of the Norwegian Embassy.
Discussed topics included:
Benefits of strategic planning by municipalities of increased use of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Benefits of including clean energy in local low-emission plans.
Other than environmental benefits of supporting renewable energy – i.e. addressing fuel poverty.
Good practices for development of smart cities.
Lessons learn from beneficiaries and donors.
As part of the Swiss Contribution to the enlarged European Union, Switzerland has supported Poland with 489 million Swiss francs for promoting economic growth and improving working conditions, improving social security, improving public safety, protecting the environment and strengthening civil society and partnerships between Switzerland and Poland. Approximately 115 million Swiss francs have been assigned to supporting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources in order to improve air quality, protect the environment and prevent diseases.
Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme (Swiss Contribution) is a part of non-returnable financial aid programme for the enlarged European Union. Beneficiary countries include Poland and 11 other EU member states which joined on 1st May 2004. Switzerland's support is an expression of solidarity with new EU member states and lays ground for stable economic and political connections with them.
Detailed summary of the conference may be found here.
