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Created in 2000, the European Renewable Energy Council - EREC
- is an umbrella organisation of the European renewable energy
industry, trade and research associations active in the fields
of photovoltaic, small hydropower, solar thermal, biomass,
wind energy and geothermal energy, thus representing the entire
renewable energy sector.
EREC is composed of the following European non-profit associations
and federations:
AEBIOM (European
Biomass Association), EGEC (European
Geothermal Energy Council), EPIA (European
Photovoltaic Industry Association), ESHA (European
Small Hydropower Association), ESTIF (European
Solar Thermal Industry Federation), EUBIA (European
Biomass Industry Association), EUREC Agency (European
Renewable Energy Research Centres Agency), and EWEA (European
Wind Energy Association).
The European Renewable Energy Council and the member associations
are located in the Renewable Energy House (REH). The REH is
a model showcase for renewable energy technologies in a monument-protected
building in the European quarter of Brussels.
For more information on EREC and the REH: please visit www.erec-renewables.org
EREC IS COMMITTED TO THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES:
- To act as a forum for exchange of information and discussion
on issues related to renewables as well as to represent
the European RES industry & research community
- To provide information and consultancy on renewable energies
for the political decision makers on local, regional, national
and international levels
- To launch policy initiatives for the creation of positive
frameworks for renewable energy sources
- To promote European technologies, products and services
on global markets
RES MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY:
Europe is at the forefront of renewable energy development
worldwide and has significant experience in the formulation
of proactive policy measures in this area. Europe is in fact
the global leader in RES technology development. In 2005 the
European renewable energy industry already reached an annual
turnover of 15 billion € and employed more than 250.000
people.
Renewable energy sources (RES) make a major contribution to
the security of energy supply, the risk reduction of fuel-based
price increase and volatility, the mitigation of climate change,
and environmental protection. Renewable energy sources are
a key element for sustainable development including the creation
of jobs and wealth oriented to the future.
Current energy markets are distorted and do not reflect true
costs of energy generation as the “polluter pays”
principle is not yet implemented. EREC works towards the creation
of an adequate level playing field for all renewable energy
technologies. A precondition for fair competition is long-term
institutional commitment.
In this respect, one of EREC’s main goals is the setting
of mandatory long-term targets and strategies both on European
and global levels as well as clear time frameworks to reach
them.
In order to sustain this market development and the European
leadership in the renewable energy sector, EREC’s ACTIVITIES
are centred on the following political priorities:
- PROMOTION OF RES-ELECTRICITY
Investments in power production are always long-term, therefore
renewable energy technologies need long-lasting, stable,
predictable policy frameworks. EREC aims at shaping adequate
policies that are a precondition for exploiting the full
potential of RES-electricity.
- PROMOTION OF HEATING AND COOLING FROM RENEWABLES
The heating and cooling sector accounts for a significant
share in total energy consumption, which is currently not
reflected in European legislation. EREC believes that a
Directive to promote renewable heating and cooling should
be adopted as soon as possible.
- PROMOTION OF R&D FOR RENEWABLES
Research is the driving force for industrial development.
As an emerging industry, the renewable energy sector needs
strong public investment in research and development and
better incentives for private-sector research spending,
which EREC actively promotes.
EUROPEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY COUNCIL (EREC)
Renewable Energy House
Rue d’Arlon 63-65
B-1040 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: +32 2 546 1933
Fax: +32 2 546 1934
Email: erec@erec-renewables.org
www.erec-renewables.org
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