WG Energy Final report FINAL June 2009

|Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference |[pic] ||Working Group on Energy and Climate Change | || | || | || | || | |FINAL REPORTOF THE WORKING GROUP ON ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGEJune 2009Contents1 Preface 32 Policy recommendations 43 Proposals by the BSPC Working Group on Energy 5and Climate Change4 Background 85 Working Group’s mode of work 96 Working Group’s activities 107 Members of the Working Group 11Annexes1 Mandate of the Working Group 132 Working Group Chairman’s speaking notes to the 17th BSPC 15on 1-2 September 2008 in Visby, Sweden3 Working Group’s note to the BASREC Ministerial meeting 20on 17-18 February in Copenhagen of July 20084 Working Group’s note to the postponed BASREC Ministerial 22meeting on 17-18 February in Copenhagen of February 20091 PrefaceThe climate of the Earth is always changing, yet in the past it has altered as a result of natural causes. Nowadays, however, these changes are mainly a result of human behaviour rather than of natural changes in the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect relates to the gases which keep the Earth warm, and they pose a very strong threat to the environment.Being aware of the serious situation, the Standing Committee of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) established the Working Group on Energy and Climate Change at the 16th BSPC in August 2007 with the mandate to raise political focus on energy and climate change on the national agendas of members of the Working Group and to come up with recommendations for the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) and the governments of the Baltic Sea region on how to mitigate the current situation.There are no easy solutions to tackle the threats to the environment, but the Baltic Sea region is very promising for achieving remarkable progress in energy and climate change. There is good infrastructure and production, energy resources and a number of regional organisations dealing with energy and climate issues. The Working Group during its working process has established close cooperation with these organisations, e.g., Baltic Development Forum (BDF), Baltic Sea Region Energy Cooperation (BASREC), Joint Energy and Climate Platform (JECP), etc.Among many possible actions, there is a need to pay special attention to climate change mitigation issues and to develop strategies and measures to reduce vulnerability to the possible consequences of climate change; to explore possibilities of diversifying renewable energy resources and switching to the most energy-efficient technologies; to encourage the use of low-carbon technologies by means of economic and political instruments; to emphasize research, job and business potentials of environment friendly eco-industries; to develop an energy-efficient approach in the housing sector by focusing on innovative technologies, such as solar energy, heat-recycling systems, new insulation technologies and environmentally friendly building materials; and to facilitate establishment and development of climate-friendly transport systems.We are fully aware of our continuing parliamentarian responsibility of keeping the political and public focus on the problem, and we call on the governments of the region to take strong actions as quickly as possible and to collaborate in a spirit of neighborliness, commitment and generosity.We are convinced that the recommendations and suggestions of the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change for political initiatives, as presented in this report, will help our governments to address the climate change and energy issues.On behalf of the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change,Mart Jüssi, WG ChairmanVice Chairman of the Environmental Committee of the Riigikogu, Vice Chairman of the Baltic Assembly Environmental Protection and Energy Committee, MP EstoniaAnne Grete Holmsgaard, WG Vice ChairpersonMP DenmarkKurt Bodewig, WG Vice ChairmanMP Germany2 Policy recommendationsContextCurrently, society is facing the increased use of energy, which, in turn, is viewed in the context of global warming. It is necessary to acknowledge that with the growth of the economy, less use of energy is possible if handled intelligently, i.e., with the aim of attaining and preserving a healthy environment and sustainability in the region.Immediate action is needed: a fundamental change of lifestyle, construction of new power plants, energy efficiency and energy saving. With regard to energy efficiency and energy saving, there is a great potential in the region that has not been fully exploited yet. The most challenging issue in energy saving is to raise public awareness.It is obvious that the future energy needs in connection with the serious climate situation call for strengthened cooperation and joint actions in the Baltic Sea region. There are numerous organisations involved in the sector. However, the exchange of best practices and technologies in energy saving and efficiency have not been fully exploited so far. Organisations, such as the Baltic Development Forum (BDF) and the Baltic Sea Region Energy Cooperation (BASREC), have a potentially important role to play in this field. Also, the regional joint energy and climate platform (JECP) has been created in order to improve cooperation among the many regional stakeholders involved in energy and climate matters.Energy issues have been high on the agenda of the European Union and countries in the Baltic Sea region. The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea region is currently being drafted; contributions are welcome from regional organisations, including the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC), through which the Working Group on Energy and Climate Change has subsequently provided its input as well. A number of surveys, reports and analysis are being carried out to monitor and envision the situation, for example, about connection to offshore wind power in Northern Europe (by the European Coordinator Georg Wilhelm Adamowitsch), or interconnections between Nordic, Baltic and Poland areas (by NORDEL, BALTSO and PSE Operator S.A.) etc.The European Commissioner for Energy, Mr Andris Piebalgs, has acknowledged the potential of the Baltic Sea region to be a showcase for the rest of Europe, yet it being unexploited in the field of energy collaboration. The positive experience and the best practice of the Baltic Sea Region could be transferred to other regions in Europe. The challenge is to develop the region into a highly energy efficient and growing economy while at the same time reducing the dependence on carbon-based energy sources. Given the favourable situation that the countries in the Baltic Sea region have a strong tradition in innovation and possess the necessary financial, organisational and human resources and given the recommended intensified regional cooperation, it should be possible to execute the vision of the Baltic Sea region as a world leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy.On the basis of a comprehensive hearing of experts and parliamentary discussions, the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Working Group on Energy and Climate Change has discussed the issue of energy and climate change in the Baltic Sea region, and it recommends the following initiatives and measures:• Develop a Coherent Energy Strategy for the Baltic Sea RegionA coherent political strategy for the development of the Baltic Sea into an area for off-shore windmill parks should be developed so that the countries around the Baltic Sea are interconnected by transmission lines that will gradually develop into the smart grid between the countries and the off-shore windmill parks. The strategy should aim both at increasing the security of energy supply and the use of renewable energy and better interconnection between the countries. A successful strategy could emphasize the position of the Baltic Sea region as a pioneer in the field of energy efficiency and climate protection.• Launch Action Plans for CHP and Housing InnovationAn action plan for the propagation of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and an action plan for renovation of buildings for the purpose of improving energy efficiency and energy-saving should be launched. The big cities of the Baltic Sea region have a particularly important role to play, and they must be included in the project.• Use the Economic Crisis as an OpportunityThe present economic crisis should be seen as an opportunity to promote qualitative growth in the Baltic Sea region. The fight against man-made climate change by implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, along with a more flexible energy market, can become the key part in managing the economic crisis. This opportunity can be implemented by directing financial packages, investment plans and subsidies, as well as international financial resources, towards renewable energy production, energy efficiency investments, CHP, efficient district heating systems and interconnecting the electricity grid.• Establish a Regional Educational ApproachA common regional training programme to strengthen the capacities in energy planning should be developed and implemented. Such a programme should aim at developing the exchange of experiences and best practices among officials at local and national level.These four paragraphs constitute the consolidated message from the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change, and they are based on a number of considerations and proposals that the Working Group has elaborated during the course of its work (see section 3 below).3 Proposals by the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate ChangeStatements from a European and Global PerspectiveAll governments of the Baltic Sea region countries and the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) are encouraged to:1. Coordinate and cooperate on strategies before the COP-15 in December 2009 (Copenhagen) in order to provide consolidated support from the Baltic Sea region to ambitious measures for the mitigation of man-made CO2 emissions by recommending:1. Bearing in mind the EU commitment to avoid the rise of the global temperature over + 2o C, aim for 25% – 40% reduction of CO2 emissions in 2020 as concluded by the ad hoc working group of the Annex-1 countries under the Kyoto Protocol at the COP-13 session in Bali, and2. Encourage the EU member states to stick to the commitment and take all necessary steps to achieve a 30% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 as the EU obligation in an international agreement.2. Work together for the inclusion of emissions from airborne and maritime transport into the CO2 emissions targets after 2012.3. Accept that the climate agreement will need to specifically address the relationship between the burdens to be carried by the industrialised countries and the developing countries on the basis of the fundamental understanding that climate policy should be compatible with the need and wish for sustainable development for each country in the world.Statements from a Regional PerspectiveAll governments and parliaments of the Baltic Sea region countries are encouraged to:Financial4. Recognize the present economic crisis as a challenge and a point of departure for developing the Baltic Sea region into a highly energy efficient and growing economy and at the same time substantially reducing the dependence on carbon-based energy sources, with the goal of establishing a CO2-emission- free energy supply.5. Concurrently direct existing and future financial packages, subsidies, etc., towards boosting the economy and a targeted enhancement of climate change mitigation.6. Upgrade and fine-tune international financial support – grant and loan funding – in order to better promote the establishment of projects of renewable energy production, energy efficiency, combined heat and power production, district heating system, development of electricity grid, etc.Cooperation7. Strengthen the capacity to support and coordinate the Baltic Sea regional energy cooperation in developing an integrated and optimized regional approach to energy issues in the region by taking into account the various energy mixes of the respective countries and the possibilities for developing cross-border power links.8. Strengthen the commitment to the Baltic Sea Region Energy Cooperation (BASREC) and allocate the appropriate resources for its work.Renewable Energy9. Secure the supply of energy for every community and enterprise in all the countries in the region, with the obligation for each country to secure basic energy production based on its specific possibilities.10. Promote by all political and economic measures the establishment of all kinds of renewable energy resources that are appropriate and to develop the necessary infrastructure – for example, develop a European Green certificate system and thereby encourage investments in renewable energy.11. Support the construction and greater use of onshore and offshore wind power plants – for instance, by elaborating a coherent plan for a large- scale installation of at least 120-GW offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea by 2030.12. Support the development of decentralized energy production from renewable energy resources and decentralized structure of grids and support technological development of modern energy storage capacities.13. Upgrade financial support to small-scale projects in the region aimed at renewable energy resources.Transmission Systems and Interconnections14. Increase investments in construction and upgrading new electricity transmissions in the region and further enhance interconnectivity within Europe as a whole.15. Promote the establishment and harmonisation of laws and regulations in the region’s energy sector in order to accelerate the development of an open market to promote competitiveness and security of energy supply.16. Recognize the need to upgrade and increase the capacity of the regional transmission grid, to enlarge its capability for dealing with the demands of the future. This should happen through the BASREC, in close cooperation with the EU Commission, to enhance the interconnectivity of a modern transmission grid.17. Cooperate to combine the connection of large future offshore wind installations to the land-based transmission systems with the development of general interconnections for electricity in the region.Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency18. Promote by all political and economic measures energy saving and energy efficiency initiatives in all sectors of society, including standards for appliances and standards for industrial processes and households.19. Promote the establishment of combined heat and power production wherever relevant and feasible.20. Develop concrete and long-term energy efficiency strategies and measures and pay special attention to the need for renovating housing to ensure enhanced energy saving and providing a healthy indoor environment for people.Climate-Friendly Transport Infrastructure21. Support and facilitate the development and establishment of climate-friendly transport systems.22. Promote the establishment of an inter-modal transport system in the Baltic Sea region to save energy and develop the region as a model in Europe.Adaptation to Climate Change23. Cooperate among the countries to develop long-term strategies, spatial planning and other concrete measures to reduce the vulnerability to climate change and to improve the adaptability to the consequences of climate change in the Baltic Sea region.24. Cooperate to enhance the region’s capacity to prevent and manage the negative consequences, for example, of natural hazards and damage to technical installations caused by climate change.Education, Research & Development25. Involve civil society, the public and all relevant educational establishments in the development and implementation of climate responsible solutions and behaviours. The results should be achieved through better information and education opportunities for societies and by providing adequate means and financing from the national budgets.26. Promote – by means of technology transfer, research, development and demonstration, as well as vocational training – effective measures to develop renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy saving in all sectors in the Baltic Sea region.Creating Business Opportunities27. Take advantage of the situation and the experience gained by stimulating business and employment opportunities in renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate-friendly technologies while introducing the above- mentioned recommendations.28. Identify development and export potentials for technologies and production of renewable energy and energy efficiency and saving in the region, particularly in the new EU member states and Northwest Russia.The way ahead – how to make things happen29. Inspire and arrange practice-oriented seminars with the aim of furthering understanding and highlighting possibilities and barriers for speedy introduction of the above-mentioned initiatives in concrete development of renewable energy resources, combined heat and power production energy saving initiatives, etc. Such seminars should be arranged together with the regional stakeholders, e.g., entrepreneurs, mayors, engineers, international finance institutions, politicians, etc.4 BackgroundEstablishmentThe Working Group on Energy and Climate Change was established in August 2007 at the 16th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) in Berlin. The Working Group was constituted as an ad hoc working group under the auspices of the Standing Committee of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in accordance with the BSCP Rules of Procedure. The overall objective of the Working Group was to elaborate joint political positions and recommendations on issues of common interest in the Baltic Sea region.The BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change represents members of parliaments of all the Baltic Sea countries, the Baltic Assembly, the EU Parliament, and the Nordic Council.MandateThe Working Group and its members were given the mandate to raise political focus on energy and climate change on the national agendas of members of the Working Group, by reviewing the existing situation and the status regarding implementation of previously approved recommendations on the issue and by exchanging experience on successful efforts of the countries; refer to Annex 1.The Working Group was requested to submit its final report with recommendations to the BSPC to be discussed and adopted at the 18th BSPC in August/September 2009 in Nyborg, Denmark. The middle report of the Working Group was presented at the 17th BSPC on 1-2 September 2008 in Visby, Sweden.5 Working Group’s mode of workDuring all five meetings, the Working Group invited various experts who provided a broad view on the current activities and projects in the energy field in the Baltic Sea region. Researchers, government officials, representatives from non-governmental organisations, energy agencies, and energy-saving companies shared their knowledge and opinion with the Working Group. Also, the representatives from regional organisations reported on their activities and initiatives taken in energy and climate change, especially in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency.Members of the Working Group could follow the progress of the study elaborated by the Ea Energy Analyses about energy scenarios for sustainable energy development in the Baltic Sea region. Ea Energy Analyses prepared two different scenarios: a small-tech scenario prioritizing energy saving, district heating, combined heat and power, biomass, solar, wind and wave energy; and the big-tech scenario focusing on carbon capture and storage, nuclear power and biomass.Similarly, there was a study on international grant and loan funding for the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Baltic Sea region carried out by a Consultant and Environmental Policy Expert. Specifically, the Working Group was familiarised with the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation Organisation (NEFCO) funding programmes for climate change, energy efficiency and renewable energy.Members of the Working Group visited a number of establishments focusing on energy saving, especially in the housing sector.The Working Group owes deep thanks to everybody who has contributed information and advice.6 Working Group’s activitiesOwn activitiesThe Working group has held five meetings. The Final Report of the Working group will be presented at the 18th BSPC in September 2009 in Denmark.The meetings were conducted as shown below:|Date, venue |Activity || | ||4-5 February |First meeting of the Working Group ||Tallinn, Estonia | ||22-23 May |Second meeting of the Working Group (in connection with the Environment Protection||Tallinn, Estonia |and Energy Committee of the Baltic Assembly) || | ||1-2 September |Presentation of the Working Group’s Midterm Report to the 17th BSPC ||Visby, Sweden | || |Third meeting of the Working Group ||20-21 October | ||Copenhagen, Denmark | ||1-2 March |Fourth meeting of the Working Group ||Helsinki, Finland | ||18-19 May |Fifth meeting of the Working Group ||Berlin, Germany | ||30 August – 1 September |Presentation of the Working Group’s Final Report to the 18th BSPC ||Nyborg, Denmark | |Related activitiesThe Working Group sought to influence the processes of the Baltic Sea region organisations involved in the field of energy and climate change by participating in various events and conferences.The Chairman of the Working Group, Mart Jüssi, presented the Midterm Report of the Working Group to the 17th BSPC in Visby, Sweden on 1-2 September 2008; refer to Annex 2.Chairman of the Working Group, Mart Jüssi, participated and gave a speech at the Annual Conference of the Baltic Sea States Subregional Cooperation (BSSSC) on 17-19 September in Kaunas, Lithuania.Vice Chairperson of the Working Group, Anne Grete Holmsgaard, took part in the Nordic Climate Solutions on 25-26 November, Copenhagen.Chairman Mart Jüssi and Vice Chairperson Anne Grete Holmsgaard took part in the Baltic Development Forum Summit on 30 November–2 December in Copenhagen-Malmö, Denmark-Sweden.Vice Chairs of the Working Group Kurt Bodewig and Anne Grete Holmsgaard took part in the COP-14 meeting on 4-12 December in Poznan, Poland.Vice Chairperson Anne Grete Holmsgaard took part in the BASREC ministerial meeting on 17-18 February 2009 Copenhagen. Prior to the meeting, the Working Group sent comments to the BASREC Ministerial Meeting; refer to Annexes 3 and 4.7 Members of the Working Group1. Mr Mart Jüssi, MP, Chairman of the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change, Vice Chairman of the Baltic Assembly Environmental Protection and Energy Committee, Estonia2. Ms Anne Grete Holmsgaard, MP, Vice Chairperson of the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change, Denmark3. Mr Kurt Bodewig, MP, Vice Chairman of the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change, Germany4. Mr Alf Eriksson, MP, Member of the Industrial Committee of the Swedish Parliament, Sweden5. Ms Ann-Kristine Johansson, MP, Member of the Nordic Council Natural Resources and Environment Committee, Sweden6. Mr Asanbuba Nyudyurbegov, MP, Member of the Russian Delegation to the BSPC, Federal Council of the Russian Federation7. Mr Donatas Jankauskas, MP, Vice Chairman Environmental Protection and Energy Committee of the Baltic Assembly, Lithuania8. Mr Georgy Leontiev, MP, State Duma of the Russian Federation9. Mr Gottfried Timm, MP, Parliament of Mecklenburg–Western-Pomerania, Germany10. Mr Harry Jansson, MP, Parliament of Åland, Finland11. Mr Ivar Kristiansen, MP, Member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the Nordic Council, Norway12. Ms Leena Harkimo, MP, Finnish delegate to the BSPC working group on energy and climate change, Finland13. Mr Manfred Ritzek, MP, State Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany14. Mr Paul Rübig, MP, Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, European Parliament15. Mr Roland Heintze, MP, Member of the Parliament of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany16. Mr Ryszard Górecki, MP, Member of the Polish Senate, Poland17. Mr Taavi Veskimägi, MP, Member of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament, Estonia18. Mr Vents Armands Krauklis, MP, Vice Chairman of the BA Economic Affairs, Communications and Informatics Committee, LatviaAnnexes1 Mandate of the Working Group2 Working Group Chairman’s speaking notes to the 17th BSPC on 1-2 September 2008 in Visby, Sweden3 Working Group’s note to the BASREC Ministerial Meeting on 17-18 February in Copenhagen of July 20084 Working Group’s note to the postponed BASREC Ministerial Meeting on 17-18 February in Copenhagen of February 2009Annex 1Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference5 February 2008MANDATEParliamentary Working Group onEnergy and Climate ChangeConstitutionThe Working Group is constituted as an ad-hoc working group under the auspices of the Standing Committee of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in accordance with the BSCP Rules of Procedure.The Working Group, at its first meeting, nominates the chairmanship, consisting of a Chairman and 1-2 Vice Chairmen. Further, one or more rapporteurs for specific issues or information collection could be nominated among the participants as agreed upon.The Working Group, at its first meeting, adopts the draft mandate given by the Standing Committee, an activity plan, a mode of operation and a time schedule for the work.Unanimous decisions should be pursued by the Working Group.Working language will be English for documents as well as negotiations. Necessary interpretation and translation will only be done on initiative and costs borne by the requesting member parliament.Summarising minutes should be produced after each meeting and it is the responsibility of the Chair to ensure this facility.MandateThe Working Group should review the existing situation and the status for implementation of previously approved recommendations on the issue. The Working Group should exchange experience on successful efforts of the countries.The Working Group and its members should raise political focus on energy and climate change on the national agendas of members of the working group.The Working Group should pursue to draft a resolution to be adopted by the 18th BSPC. A middle report of the Working Group shall be presented at the 17th BSPC, to be held on 1-2 September 2008 in Visby (Sweden).ParticipantsAll participating parliaments of BSPC shall be invited to take part in the work.Also the Nordic Council, Baltic Assembly, and the EU-Parliament shall be invited.Representatives of other national parliaments and relevant international organizations might be involved by unanimous decision of the Working Group members.Each institution is invited to participate with one member accompanied by one advisor and/or one interpreter if envisaged.Each participating parliament/parliamentary body should cover its own expenses. Two or three meetings are anticipated – one of which might be conducted together with a conference or seminar.SecretariatSecretarial assistance to the Working Group arrangements and meetings will be provided by the Chairman of the Working Group with a supplementary support of the BSPC Secretariat. The Baltic Assembly and the Nordic Council have kindly offered to enforce their contribution to the Secretariat in terms of advisory expertise.Secretarial assistance to members of the Working Group shall be provided by the home parliaments. Additional secretarial assistance to the Chair, Vice-Chair and possible rapporteurs shall be provided by the home parliament of the nominees.Annex 2Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 3 July 2008Secretariat17th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference,1-2 September 2008 in Visby, SwedenSpeaking NotesRegional Energy and Climate Cooperation and Sustainable Development in the Baltic Sea Region –our measure, our motto, our goalMidterm Report from theWorking Group on Energy and Climate ChangeBy Mr. Mart Jüssi, Chairman of the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change, Chairman of the Environmental Protection and Energy Committee, Member of the Estonian RiigikoguDear Excellencies,Dear Colleagues,Mr. Chairman and Madam Chairperson,The Working Group on Energy and Climate Change was established in August 2007 based on the Resolution of the 16th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference. The Working group was given the mandate to review the existing situation in the Baltic Se region in energy and climate change and the status for implementation of previously approved recommendations on the issue. In addition, the Working Group is expected to exchange experience on successful efforts of the countries around the Baltic Sea, with special regard to the promotion and actual implementation of renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy savings in all sectors in the Baltic Sea Region, and underline the positive research, job and business potentials of environmentally friendly technologies.Further, the Group should pursue to draft a resolution to be adopted by the 18th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference with recommendations directed to the BASREC, the CBSS, and to the governments of the Baltic Sea states. Hence, the overall ambition of the Working Group is to draft directions to raise political focus on energy and climate change on the national agendas of members of the working group and to elaborate joint political positions and recommendations on issues of common interest in the Baltic Sea Region.The Working Group has organized two meetings so far. The first meeting was held on 5 February in Tallinn in the beginning of this year, and the second meeting was held on 22 May also in Tallinn. It is planned to organize the next meeting of the Working Group on 20-21 October 2008 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Mandate of the Group determines that the Working Group is supposed to submit its final report to the BSPC to be discussed at the 18th Conference in 2009 in Copenhagen. The Working Group has planned to discuss and draft the final report at the up-coming meetings – in the autumn 2008 and following spring 2009.Representatives of the Baltic Development Forum, the European Parliament and BASREC have contributed substantially to the Working Group, and the Working Group, through its Secretariat has taken part in the several meetings of the Joint Energy and Climate Platform of the Baltic Sea Region Organisations. Also the future initiatives of the Working Group will be coordinated with the plans and policies of the above mentioned institutions. The Working Group should welcome all kind of close interaction between the parliamentary level and the government institutions to coordinate Baltic Sea regional energy cooperation and supply security.But already for this BSPC Conference, as a preliminary result, the Working Group has drafted a few sentences as an input to the Visby Resolution. Our intention was to stress the importance of consolidated regional energy cooperation within the resolution, and the urgent need to come up with concrete steps to be taken to mitigate consequences of climate change and enhance capacity to prevent adverse consequences of climate change. To the working group’s point of view, it is of particular importance to speed actual implementation of renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy savings in all sectors in the Baltic Sea Region, and that is where, our, parliamentarian and government role and active involvement is crucial.The Working Group was established to focus on the energy and climate change issue in the Baltic Sea region. Energy and climate change issues is challenge of great concern for all countries and all parties around the Baltic Sea region. It is obvious that the future energy needs in connection with the serious climate situation call for strengthened cooperation – also in the Baltic Sea Region. The challenge will be to develop this region into a highly energy efficient and growing economy, and – at the same time – to reduce the dependence on the carbon-based energy sources. Based on the prosperous situation, that the countries in the Baltic Sea region have a strong tradition for innovation and have the necessary financial, organisational and human resources, and based on the recommended intensified regional cooperation, hence it should be possible to execute the vision of the Baltic Sea Region as a world leader in energy efficiency and renewable energies.The Working Group has, among other things, studied the prior legislation and national approaches of dealing with energy and climate change challenges and ongoing initiatives by the European Union and Baltic Sea region organizations. The need for closer consultation and coordination among BSR organizations is recognized by most actors in the region, and recently many activities have been launched regarding climate change initiatives. For instance, the Baltic Sea States Sub-regional Cooperation (BSSSC) and the Baltic Development Forum (BDF) has taken an initiative to establish a joint energy and climate platform of the Baltic Sea Region organizations. The BSPC Standing Committee has expressed its support for enhancing coordination among Baltic Sea region organizations in energy and climate change issues. On the EU level, the focus on energy has never been stronger during the recent years. In January this year the European Commission put forward an energy and climate package combining a draft directive on promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. The goals of the EU energy and climate package are to have a 20% increase in energy efficiency, a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 20% share of renewable in overall EU energy consumption by 2020 and to have 10% biofuel component in vehicle fuel by 2020. Further, in December 2007 the European Council invited the Commission to present an EU strategy for the Baltic Sea region at the latest by June 2009. The strategy will be one of the key objectives for the Swedish EU Presidency in the second half of 2009. The strategy could function as a joint priority instrument for the region, facilitating an effective use of both EU resources and the regions own financial and other resources. There are also various projects launched at the regional organizations. For instance, the BASREC has its ministerial meeting in few weeks, and the main focus of the meeting will be energy and climate challenges. Instruments like biomass, district heating and energy efficiency and with a review of the EU energy policy with the Baltic Sea as an example will be addressed at the conference.Thinking of the importance of reducing man-made CO2 emissions, we should all welcome the initiative of reducing CO2 emission by 25-40% of by 2020, as recommended by the ad hoc working group of the Annex-1 countries under the Kyoto Protocol at the COP-13 session in Bali. We should also pay due attention to the targets set by the Council of the European Union to achieve at least a 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 compared to 1990, and 60% to 80% emission reduction by 2050 compared to 1990. I hope everybody present today will make their utmost efforts when returning back to their home parliaments and government to speed up discussions on the grave importance of reducing level of man made CO2 emissions.Dear Colleagues,Now I would like to introduce you the main initiatives taken by the parliamentary working group. One of the working group’s ambitions is to influence processes and international discourse on energy and climate change. Therefore, firs step the working group took in this direction was drafting Comments from the working group, to be communicated at the occasion of the BASREC Ministerial Conference and Meeting on 9-10 September 2008 in Copenhagen. We hope that the ministerial meeting will pay due consideration to the enclosed recommendations in their deliberations and decision-making. I think we should express great expectations for this meeting: that ministers of the Baltic Sea region countries set concrete targets in spheres of CO2 emission reduction, energy efficiency, energy saving and renewable energy. Hopefully, a report on the results from the ministerial meeting can be given at the BSPC Copenhagen Conference next year.Another ambitious goal for the parliamentary working group is to coordinate and cooperate on strategies before the COP 14 meeting in Poznan in December this year and COP 15 in Copenhagen in 2009 in order to provide consolidated support from the Baltic Sea Region to ambitious measures. One of the tools for such strategy will be a Report on Regional Energy Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region, prepared by the Joint Energy and Climate Platform of the Baltic Sea Region Organisations. Our working group has decided to cooperate with the Platform organizations in preparation of such a survey. The Report will consist of the overview of the current energy systems in the Baltic Sea region; scenarios for the future regional energy systems to show how the national and EU targets could be met; a list of regional projects which would benefit development of the region; an extended analysis of the possibilities for the industry in the region; as well as ideas on how to promote the Baltic Sea region as a showcase for low carbon technologies and develop regional knowledge sharing among public and private partners from different countries in the region. We are very much looking forward for the Report. The overview could form the basis for a concrete plan of action, which could contribute to the EU Baltic Sea Strategy in June 2009, and to the efforts to make the Baltic Sea region a showcase for sustainable energy development at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. We are confident that it will be a huge contribution in the coordination of cooperation on energy and climate change around the Baltic Sea region. First results of the Report are expected to be presented at the annual meeting of the Baltic Development Forum in December this year.Last but not the least; the Working Group also has the ambition to explore existing international financial instruments for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in the Baltic Sea region; which gradually will enable the working group to formulate political recommendations on how to attract and strengthen such financial instruments in the Baltic Sea region. For instance, the EU has a number of funding and grant possibilities that could support relevant initiatives in the realm of energy and climate change in the Baltic Sea Region. Since the Baltic Sea Region is included in the concept of the Northern Dimension and the Northern Dimension Environmental Programme, the existing EU-funding possibilities should pay special attention to applications from this area. Supplementary to the EU and national funding, loan funding should be available for specific projects from the international and regional financial institutions, for instance the development banks: the EBRD, the NIB and the NEFCO etc.Mr. Chairman,Together with the two Vice-Chairpersons of the Working Group, Ms. Anne Grete Holmsgaard from Danish Parliament and Mr. Kurt Bodewig from German Parliament, it is a pleasure to inform you that – except from Iceland - all the parliaments of the BSPC members have nominated their representative to the Working Group on Energy and Climate Change. We are particularly glad that the European Parliament is also represented at the Working Group. This illustrates for us, that a BSPC ad hoc group working on a specific policy issue is attracting broad interest from all parliaments around the Baltic Sea region. For the Chairmanship, this is a fortune and challenge at the same time.Ladies and Gentlemen!On behalf of the Working Group I am looking forward to address you again next year. Hopefully, at that time, we will be in a position to specifically point to directions for concrete programs for raising energy efficiency and use of renewable energies, which would also facilitate improvement of general climate situation. I am very much looking forward for the future work of the parliamentary working group. I am convinced that this will bring tangible results for our countries, the region, and the world.Thank you for your attention!Annex 3|Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference |[pic] ||Working Group on Energy and Climate Change | || | || | || | || | |July 2008Comments from the BSPC Parliamentary Working Group on Energy and Climate ChangeTo be communicated at the occasion of the BASREC Ministerial Conference and Meeting on 9-10 September 2008 in Copenhagen, DenmarkThe 16th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC), which was held on 27–28 August in Berlin, unanimously adopted a resolution which, among other things, called for the establishment of a working group on energy and climate change. The overall objective of the working group is to elaborate joint political positions and recommendations on issues of common interest in the Baltic Sea Region.It is obvious that the future energy needs in connection with the serious climate situation call for strengthened cooperation – also in the Baltic Sea Region. The challenge will be to develop this region into a highly energy efficient and growing economy, and – at the same time – to reduce the dependence on the carbon-based energy sources. Based on the prosperous situation, that the countries in the Baltic Sea region have a strong tradition for innovation and have the necessary financial, organisational and human resources, and based on the recommended intensified regional cooperation, hence it should be possible to execute the vision of the Baltic Sea Region as a world leader in energy efficiency and renewable energies.On the basis of a comprehensive hearing of experts, the Parliamentary Working Group has discussed the energy and climate change in the Baltic Sea Region, and would like to propose for discussion at the BASREC Ministerial Conference the below recommendations. The BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change, representing members of parliaments of all the Baltic Sea countries, the Baltic Assembly; the EU Parliament, and the Nordic Council, requests the BASREC Ministerial Conference and Meeting to be held on 9-10 September 2008 in Copenhagen (Denmark) to pay due consideration to these recommendations in their deliberations and decision-making:1. Coordinate and cooperate on strategies before the COP-14 in 2008 (Poznan) and COP-15 in 2009 (Copenhagen) in order to provide consolidated support from the Baltic Sea Region to ambitious measures for the mitigation of man-made CO2 emissions. In order to keep the temperature increase below 2 degrees C, the Working Group recommends a 25-40% reduction of CO2 emission in 2020 as concluded by the ad hoc working group of the Annex-1 countries under the Kyoto Protocol at the COP-13 session in Bali, and fulfil recommendations of the Council of the European Union to achieve at least a 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 compared to 1990, and 60% to 80% emission reduction by 2050.2. Governments of the Baltic Sea Region should investigate to what extent investments in climate sector are targeted to mitigation measures and/or adaptation to the possible consequences. For instance, by adoption of interstate agreements on coordination of joint actions in the event of an emergency (natural disasters, accidents, oil spills, calamities, etc.), and/or developing strategies to reduce the vulnerability to the possible consequences of climate change.3. Strengthen the capacity to support and coordinate Baltic Sea regional energy cooperation and supply security in developing an integrated and optimized regional approach to the energy issues in the Baltic Sea Region, taking into account the various energy mixes of the countries in the Region. For instance by strengthening the commitment to the BASREC cooperation and allocating the appropriate resources to the work.4. Security of supply, for instance by means of the integration of the regional power markets, promotion of energy efficiency measures, as well as development and demonstration of renewable energy systems and infrastructures, will be better and faster achieved based on a solid regional collaboration.5. Speed up – by means of e.g. economic and political instruments – the promotion and actual implementation of renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy savings in all sectors in the Baltic Sea Region, and underline the positive research, job and business potentials of environmentally friendly technologies.6. Identify development and export potentials for technologies and production of renewable energy and energy efficiency and saving in the region, particularly in the new EU member states and in North West Russia.7. Develop strategies and measures – e.g. within the housing and industrial sectors – to reduce the vulnerability to the consequences of climate change, as well as to the enhancement of the capacity to prevent and manage adverse consequences of climate change (such as natural hazards and technological accidents).8. Investigate and possible upgrade the international financial support to development and export promotion, since realisation of propositions and potentials in the energy and climate fields depends very much on economy and private business.Annex 4|Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference |[pic] ||Working Group on Energy and Climate Change | |To: BASRECHans Jørgen Koch,Deputy State SecretaryDanish Energy AgencyAmaliegade 44Copenhagen K.Tallinn, 2 February 2009Dear Hans Jørgen Koch,The Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Working Group on Energy and Climate Change approaches you in order to give our input to the preparations of the BASREC Ministerial meeting in Copenhagen in February 2009. As you will recall, we have already sent you a letter on the matter in July 2008.The BSPC established the Working Group on Energy and Climate Change in 2008. The overall objective of the Working Group is to elaborate joint political positions and recommendations on issues of common interest in the Baltic Sea Region, focussing on the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as joint efforts in adaptation strategies in the Region to the coming climate changes. The BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change is representing members of parliaments of all the Baltic Sea countries, the Baltic Assembly, the EU Parliament, and the Nordic Council, please refer annex 1 and annex 2 of the attachment.Since our letter from July 2008 the Working Group has refined its recommendations as shown in the attached document, “Working Group’s Political Well Box”, which constitutes the preliminary political statements of the BSPC Parliamentary Working Group on Energy and Climate Change. Allow us, as the most relevant input to the BASREC ministerial meeting, to refer to the 3rd chapter “Statements of a mainly Regional Perspective” on pp 2-3.Particularly, we would draw the attention to the perspectives of elaborating a political strategy and a coherent plan for a large scale installation of off-shore wind power plants in the Baltic Sea including strengthened transmission lines connecting the countries around the Baltic Sea; refer points 3) and 5) of the above mentioned chapter 3 of the attachment.Such a project would be able to contribute significantly to the fulfilling of the EU 20% target of renewable energy sources as well as the targets of the Russian Federation on raising the proportion of renewable energy. Further this project could be instrumental in implementing the interconnection of the transmission systems and in showing the region’s ability to make a visionary step forward in securing less vulnerability to energy imports. The visions of large scale off-shore wind power installations have been presented e.g. in September 2008 in a first annual report by Mr. G. W. Adamowitsch in his capacity of the European Commission’s Coordinator. The plans will be further concluded in the Coordinator’s concluding report to the Commission during 2009. We find that it could be important for BASREC to support a regional project as this, which could serve in combining the renewable energy development with the achievement of a stronger security of energy supply.Among the parliamentarians of the Working Group there is a strong belief that more knowledge exchange and cooperation is needed. It is our hope that the BASREC Ministerial meeting would be invigorated as a leading regional organisation that is setting the agenda and inspiring other organisations in the region. The upcoming BASREC meeting can be an important event in the promotion of a regional dialogue and joint initiatives.To deepen the dialogue and to learn more about the progress of the regional government cooperation, it is our pleasure, on behalf of the Working Group, to invite a representative of BASREC to the up-coming Working Group meeting in Helsinki on 2nd March 2009 to give a report and to discuss the future potentials for the regional cooperation.Also the Working Group would be pleased to get an opportunity to be represented at the BASREC Ministerial meeting in Copenhagen on 17-18 February 2009.Looking forward to our continued dialogue.On behalf of the BSPC working group,Mart Jüssi,MP, Estonia, Chairman of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceWorking Group on Energy and Climate ChangeContact person:Silga Lejasmeiere, Senior Consultant of the Secretariat of the Baltic AssemblyTel. 371 67225178, e-mail: silga.lejasmeiere@baltasam.org|Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference |[pic] ||Working Group on Energy and Climate Change | || | || | || | || | |25 November 2008“WG’s Political Well Box”Political Statements of theBSPC Parliamentary Working Group on Energy and Climate ChangeAs a pool of background information for WG Members’Speeches, notes and feature news paper articles etc1. Background informationThe 16th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC), which was held on 27–28 August in Berlin, decided to establish a working group on energy and climate change. The overall objective of the working group is to elaborate joint political positions and recommendations on issues of common interest in the Baltic Sea Region.It is obvious that the future energy needs in connection with the serious climate situation call for strengthened cooperation – also in the Baltic Sea Region. The challenge will be to develop this region into a highly energy efficient and growing economy, and – at the same time – to reduce the dependence on the carbon-based energy sources. Based on the prosperous situation, that the countries in the Baltic Sea region have a strong tradition for innovation and have the necessary financial, organisational and human resources, and based on the recommended intensified regional cooperation, hence it should be possible to execute the vision of the Baltic Sea Region as a world leader in energy efficiency and renewable energies.On the basis of a comprehensive hearing of experts and parliamentary discussions, the Parliamentary Working Group has discussed the energy and climate change in the Baltic Sea Region, and would like to propose for discussion the below recommendations.2. Statements of a mainly European and Global PerspectiveThe governments of the Baltic Sea Region countries and the Council of the Baltic Sea States should:1. Coordinate and cooperate on strategies before the COP-14 in 2008 (Poznan) and COP-15 in 2009 (Copenhagen) in order to provide consolidated support from the Baltic Sea Region to ambitious measures for the mitigation of man-made CO2 emissions by recommending:1. Bearing in mind the EU commitment to avoid that global temperature will rise over + 2o C, to aim for 25 – 40% reduction of CO2 emission in 2020, as concluded by the ad hoc working group of the Annex-1 countries under the Kyoto Protocol at the COP-13 session in Bali, and2. Encourage EU member states to stick to this commitment and take all necessary steps to achieve a 30% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 as EU obligations in an international agreement and a 60% to 80% emission reduction by 2050 compared to 1990, so becoming a role model for international society.2. Work together for the inclusion of emissions from airborne and maritime transport into the CO2 emissions targets after 2012.3. Take firm and coordinated initiatives to promote the better energy efficiency in all sectors of the societies and to promote the use of renewable energy sources.4. Involve civil society, public and education institutions in development and implementation of climate responsible solutions and behaviours trough better information and education opportunities for societies by providing adequate means and finances from national budgets.5. Present concrete measures which have to be implemented in mitigating climate change in policy and budgetary terms.3. Statements of a mainly Regional PerspectiveAs important steps the governments and parliaments of the Baltic Sea countries should:1. Strengthen the capacity to support and coordinate Baltic Sea regional energy cooperation in developing an integrated and optimized regional approach to the energy issues in the Baltic Sea Region, taking into account the various energy mixes of the countries in the Region and the possibilities for developing cross-border power links; for instance by strengthening the commitment to the BASREC cooperation and allocating the appropriate resources to the work2. Develop concrete and long-term strategies and measures – e.g. within the housing, transport, and industrial sectors – to reduce the vulnerability to the consequences of climate change; focus special attention on the need to renovate housing to ensure better energy saving and to improve a healthy indoor environment for people.3. Support the construction and greater use of land-based and offshore wind power, as well as increase the investments in the construction and upgrading of new electricity transmissions in the region and further to enhance interconnectivity within the wider Europe4. Promote the establishment of an inter-modal transport system in the Baltic Sea Region to save energy and make the Region a model region in Europe5. Elaborate a coherent plan for a large scale installation of off-shore wind farms in the Baltic Sea of at least 120 GW by 2030 ( vb. The European coordinators first annual report) including strengthened transmission lines connecting countries around the Baltic Sea - as part of realising EU 20% target of renewable energy sources.6. Secure the supply of energy, for instance by means of the integration of the regional power markets, promotion of energy efficiency measures, as well as development and demonstration of renewable energy systems and infrastructures.7. Deepen the cooperation to reduce the vulnerability and improve the adaptability to the consequences of climate change, as well as to the enhancement of the capacity to prevent and manage adverse consequences of climate change (such as natural hazards and technological accidents).8. Promote – by means of e.g. economic and political instruments, technology transfer, research and development, and vocational training - more effective actions to develop renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy savings in all sectors in the Baltic Sea Region, while taking initiatives to exploit the positive research, job and business potentials of environmentally friendly technologies9. Identify development and export potentials for technologies and production of renewable energy and energy efficiency and saving in the region, particularly in the new EU member states and in North West Russia10. Investigate and possibly upgrade the international financial support to development and export promotion, since realisation of propositions and potentials in the energy and climate fields depends very much on economy and private business and to upgrade the international funding opportunities for projects of renewable energy sources, energy savings, energy efficiency especially the spreading of Central Heating Plants (CHP) and grid connections between the states around the Baltic Sea.11. Strengthen more active involvement of parliaments in raising political focus on energy and climate change on the national agendas.Attachment No. 1Establishment of the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate ChangeThe 17th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC), which was held on 1-2 September in Visby, Sweden adopted a resolution which, regarding Climate Change and Energy Issues in the Baltic Sea Region, called, among other things, for the governments of the Region and the Council of the Baltic Sea States toCoordinate and cooperate on strategies before the COP-14 in 2008 (Poznan) and COP-15 in 2009 (Copenhagen) in order to provide consolidated support from the Baltic Sea Region to ambitious measures for the mitigation of man-made CO2 emissions, by recommending:- a significant reduction of CO2 emission in 2020, as concluded by the ad hoc working group of the Annex-1 countries under the Kyoto Protocol at the COP-13 session in Bali, and- fulfil recommendations of the Council of the European Union to achieve a significant emission reduction by 2050 compared to 1990.The BSPC has established a Working Group on Energy and Climate Change effective from the beginning of 2008 and with the mandate to provide a report with policy guidelines in the field of energy and climate change at the 18th BSPC in Denmark in August 2009. The overall objective of the Working Group is to elaborate joint political positions and recommendations on issues of common interest in the Baltic Sea Region, focussing on the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as joint efforts in adaptation strategies in the Region to coming climate changes.The BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change is representing members of parliaments of all the Baltic Sea countries, the Baltic Assembly; the EU Parliament, and the Nordic Council.Attachment No.2Members of the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change| |Mart Jüssi |MP, Chairman of the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change, Chairman of || | |the Baltic Assembly Environmental Protection and Energy Committee, Estonia || |Anne Grete Holmsgaard |MP, Vice Chair of the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change, Denmark || |Kurt Bodewig |MP, Vice Chairman of the BSPC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change, Germany|| |Alf Eriksson |MP, Member of the Industrial Committee of the Swedish Parliament, Sweden || |Ann-Kristine Johansson |MP, Member of the Nordic Council Natural Resources and Environment Committee, || | |Sweden || |Asanbuba Nyudyurbegov |MP, Member of the Russian Delegation to the BSPC, Federal Council of the Russian || | |Federation || |Donatas Jankauskas |MP, Vice Chairman Environmental Protection and Energy Committee of the Baltic || | |Assembly, Lithuania || |Georgy Leontiev |MP, State Duma of the Russian Federation || |Gottfried Timm |MP, Parliament of Mecklenburg–Western-Pomerania, Germany || |Harry Jansson |MP, Parliament of Åland, Finland || |Ivar Kristiansen |MP, Member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the Nordic || | |Council, Norway || |Leena Harkimo |MP, Finnish delegate to the BSPC working group on energy and climate change, || | |Finland || |Manfred Ritzek |MP, State Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany || |Paul Rübig |MEP, Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, European Parliament || |RolandHeintze |MP, Member of the Parliament of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany || |Ryszard Górecki |MP, Member of the Polish Senate, Poland || |Taavi Veskimägi |MP, Member of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament, Estonia || |Vents Armands Krauklis |MP, Vice Chairman of the BA Economic Affairs, Communications and Informatics || | |Committee, Latvia |