EURELECTRIC 2010 AWARDS

In line with the Industry’s commitment to carbon-neutrality by 2050, EURELECTRIC today made a clear “political statement” by handing out two awards: one in the field of biomass and one for nuclear to two extraordinary and visionary persons:

J Christer Ericsson, Chairman of the Board of the Swedish Corporation, JCE Group AB, who founded Green Circle Bio Energy Inc., the world’s largest pellet plant in Florida, in operation since 2008.

Luis Echávarri, (Spanish) Director General of OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, Paris, since 1997, who has spent his career relentlessly promoting the civil use of nuclear.

The awards were presented by Paul Bulteel, former Secretary General and Electricity Ambassador for EURELECTRIC at the New Energy World conference in Dublin on 15 June.

EURELECTRIC strongly believes that biomass power generation will play a leading role in reaching the EU 2020 renewables targets. Not only is it one of the only forms of dispatchable renewables generation, it can also be utilised in existing thermal power plants. In order to give investors the confidence to invest in biomass-powered plant, a clear perspective on long term fuel supply is needed. To achieve this, a well-functioning, EU-wide, biomass market is essential. Creating this market will require common EU-wide sustainability criteria. EURELECTRIC intends to be closely involved in producing these common criteria.

With regard to nuclear power, this form of generation will have a major role to play in the move towards the much needed carbon-neutral and climate friendly electricity production of the future. According to EURELECTRIC's “Power Choices” study, nuclear’s share in total electricity production will decline up to 2050; however, its absolute production will increase by some 500 TWh, thus helping Europe to meet its climate targets and boost security of supply. For nuclear energy to help the EU achieve its CO2 emission reduction targets, a clear, European-wide regulatory framework on matters concerning e.g. the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste is needed, as well as thorough mechanisms to financing new nuclear projects and awareness raising activities.

The EURELECTRIC 2010 Conference was also the occasion for our industry to attribute a prize to a European student for his innovative and concise vision on how to combat climate change. 13 students participated in this “student’s competition 2010”. 

The prize went to Patrick McCartan, from the Dublin Institute of Technology, for his proposal to create a “Global Electricity Community Programme” (GECP). The GECP Programme would gather industry and government leaders from all around the world to commonly address the climate challenge and build a worldwide super grid.
Handing out the prize, Dr. William Kyte, OBE, Chief Advisor on International Climate Policy for EURELECTRIC said “very powerful, short and clear messages are needed to convey the sense of urgency and ensure change”. He added “the electricity industry is looking into the future not only in terms of legislation but also human resources and offers opportunities to a large variety of talents. We would want to work with universities to make these opportunities known to students”.