FIR annual conference: What is energy (policy) of future? /2. 10./

The global warming, climate change and rising pollution became one of the most discussed issues of the current world. The global climate action and pushing for using renewable energies show how crucial this issue is.

In Europe, this current ambition is reflected in the Clean Energy Package and more broader initiative – the Energy union. The project of the energy union builds on ensuring energy security through better cooperation of EU member states particularly in diversification of energy sources. Another dimension is launching a fully integrated internal energy market, where energy sources can flow without additional obstacles. This is intertwined a goal of decarbonization of the economy. The EU is part of the Paris Agreement where the member states are committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% domestically by 2030. In addition to this, the EU will introduce measures to speed up the shift towards the decarbonized economy and to keep the EU competitive. The plan of the energy union also plans major investment in research and innovation, which should help with the transition of the energy system and the competitiveness of the EU.

According to Sandbag Report, Germany and the UK alone accounted for 56 % of the EU’s overall growth in renewables in the past three years, even though the two countries generate less than 30 % of the bloc’s total electricity. The divergences in approaches to the renewable energies also shows higher usage of coal in the Central and Eastern European countries. At the same time, in countries such as Czechia, the economy still builds on highly energy demanding industries and the shift will require a lot of investment and political will. On the other hand, decarbonization of the economy brings less pollution and with more energy efficient infrastructure, the consumers can enjoy lower prices for electricity.

The above mentioned ambitions raise many concerns on global, European and regional level. The Faculty of International Relations (FIR) annual conference aims in discussing the future of energy, energy policies and ways how to benefit from new efficient technologies that could also contribute in addressing global challenges.

The annual conference of FIR will take place on October 2, 2019. The conference programme and the list of speakers can be found HERE.