Commissioner Simson and Central and South-Eastern European Ministers discuss renewable energy potential

Today, Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson hosted the 7th Central and South-Eastern European Connectivity (CESEC) Ministerial meeting, together with the Croatian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Tomislav Ćorić. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation and solidarity to address their energy challenges. Ministers discussed the potential of renewable energy on the basis of a Renewable Energy Roadmap presented at the meeting by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The Report finds that renewables could cover more than one-third (34%) of energy demand cost-effectively in Central and South Eastern Europe by 2030. This would save money, enhance energy security and supply affordable energy to citizens in the region. Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, said: “The benefits from investing in renewables at this time of recovery are significant – for the economy, for the consumers and for the environment. As highlighted by the IRENA report, focusing on solar, wind and hydro power would create local green jobs and allow the region to gain from closer energy cooperation.” Among the main findings, the report shows that accelerating the deployment of renewables could save citizens an estimated €3 billion per year in energy costs by 2030. The avoided health, environment and climate damage could push total benefits to €35 billion per year. According to IRENA’s energy transition path for the region, greenhouse gas emissions could potentially be reduced by 21% beyond the level expected from currently planned policies. You can find more information online on the CESEC Ministerial meeting (publication via this link at 12h30), the Commissioner’s opening remarks and the IRENA report.