As the human society evolves, the demand for energy is constantly increasing. In this framework, the exploitation of carbon-based energy sources has played a significant role but with a huge impact on the environment. A radical paradigm shift is needed to reach climate neutrality by 2050, an objective set by the European Commission’s strategic long-term vision.
But how can European regions with coal-based energy infrastructure, such as the case of most Balkan countries, meet this goal? Which policies are or could be in place to support this transition? Which technologies are available for this demanding transition to the post-coal era? Which actions and interventions have been launched on a local and international scale? These are just some of the questions the first Clean Energy Transition Event of the Balkans, taking place in Kozani, one of the Follower city of the EU-funded project STARDUST, will attempt to address.
The event will consist of the Balkan Clean Energy Transition Conference (19 – 21 September) and the Balkan Clean Energy Transition Fair (19-22 September). The conference will focus on key topics such as renewables, energy efficiency, smart cities, circular bioeconomy, mobility, governance and citizen engagement. All these aspects will play a fundamental role to enable the successful transition to the post-coal era in the Balkans. The fair will showcase some technologies currently available to create more sustainable societies, having also the potential to offer a space for investors and entrepreneurs to discuss new ideas and solutions.
The 2019 Balkan Clean Energy Transition Event will be under the auspices of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), with support of the EU Smart Cities Information System (SCIS), the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) and STARDUST. The main partners are the Kozani Chamber of Commerce and the Bioeconomy & Environment Cluster of Western Macedonia (Clube). The event is co-organised by the Region of Western Macedonia, the Municipality of Kozani, the University of Western Macedonia, the Chemical Process and Energy Resource Institute (CPERI) of the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) and the Regional Development Agency of Western Macedonia (ANKO). The conference and the fair will take place at the Exhibition Centre of Western Macedonia, located in the Koila Village in Kozani. The event is expected to take place on a bi-annual basis.
Balkan countries are at a crossroad concerning the future of their aging coal-based energy infrastructure and the Balkans Clean Energy Transition Event aims to indicate a greener path to follow! Stay tuned to discover how one of the larger regions in Europe will turn into a sustainable, innovation hub.
