MAR

What?European Union Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW)

When?11-15 April 2011

Where?Brusselsand across Europe. Websitewww.eusew.eu

What is the future for the EU´s energy mix? Are our energy supplies secure and sustainable?

Recent tragic events in Japan, following its worst social and environmental disaster in modern times, coupled with political unrest across the Arab World forces us to ask ourselves some important questions. What are the options for Europe?

Growing year on year and now into its fifth edition, theEuropean Union Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW)is the reference event for sustainable energy issues in Europe. To date more than 120 events are already planned during the Week in Brussels and some other 270 across Europe. And this number is growing by the day.

EUSEW 2011 is likely to attract more than 20 000 participants from across Europe and beyond. The Week will largely focus onenergy efficiency and renewable energy sources in Europewith a significant portion of the programme dedicated to the Europeanenergy marketandsmart electricity grids.

High-level participants and speakers include:

Günther Oettinger, Commissioner for EnergyJohannes Hahn, Commissioner for Regional Policy (TBC)Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship (TBC)Siim Kallas, Commissioner for Transport (TBC)AHungarian Government MinisterMembers of the European ParliamentA high-levelrepresentative from ChinaA high-levelrepresentative from the United States of AmericaRepresentatives fromRussiaPhilip Lowe, Director-General of the European Commission?s Directorate-General for EnergyMonica Frassoni, President of the European Alliance to Save EnergyNobuo Tanaka, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)Dr. Hubert Keiber, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Building AutomationTop managers of companies, utilities and industries in the energy, transport and consumer goods sector

Note: list is provisional; attendance to be confirmed in due course.

What´s in it for journalists?

Interview and networkingopportunities with senior European Commission and EU Presidency officials, policy makers and opinion leaders.A wealth ofpotential storiesfrom two days of high-level debate on sustainable energy issues and good practices.Around30 policy and networking sessionslooking at the future of Europe?s sustainable energy policy from a wide variety of angles.

MEDIA Programme - Highlights

12 April, 9:00-10:45- Opening conference: "EU energy strategy?(Charlemagne building) Energy CommissionerGünther Oettingerpresents the main points of the EU energy strategy: energy efficiency, smart grids and financing of energy infrastructure.  12 April, 10:50-11:50 - Press Briefing(Charlemagne building-Ground Floor, VIP Hall).
Featuring a press point with Energy CommissionerGünther Oettinger, followed by questions and answers

12 April, 14:30-15:30 - Electric sidewalk(European Parliament Esplanade) - Visit of world´s first urban lighting installation, realised by the City of Toulouse using the energy produced by people walking on a high-tech pavement12 April, 16:00-18:00 - Energy Efficiency Global Forum - Opening Plenary Session(Square Meeting Centre).Organised by the Alliance to Save Energy, the Energy Efficiency Global Forum brings together energy efficiency leaders from around the world to boost the emerging clean-energy economy. Featuring prominent figures such as Commissioner for Energy,Günther Oettinger,President of the European Alliance to Save Energy,Monica Frassoni, and Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)Nobuo Tanaka. Seehttp://eeglobalforum.org/about-media.htmlfor more information. Media can register free of charge on theEE Global website.12 April, 19:00-21:00 - Awards Ceremony(Theatre du Vaudeville).
In the presence of Energy CommissionerGünther Oettingerand other senior EU officials, the prestigious awards ceremony for the best-in-class projects of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign. More information about the nominees on the officialEUSEW website.13 April, 9:00-10:30 - Visit of exemplary buildings in Brussels
Visit some best-practice examples of eco-construction and energy-efficiency on our doorstep. Departure from the Charlemagne building.13 April, 11:00-12:00 - Inside Berlaymont
A unique chance to take a tour insidethe most famous EU buildingand discover its energy performance capabilities.13 April, 12:30-12:55 - ManagEnergy Award Ceremony(Charlemagne building)
Annual event that recognises the best and brightest projects submitted to ManagEnergyAwards, presented by Energy CommissionerGünther Oettingerand President of the Committee of the RegionsMercedes Bresso(TBC).13 April, 13:00-13:45 - Energy efficiency: the race is on!(Berlaymont Esplanade)
Seven fridges racing against each other on a real race track. Arbitrated byEnergy CommissionerGünther Oettinger. Excellent photo & audiovisual opportunities.14 April, 20:00-05:00 - Energy Union Closing Party(Mirano Continental)
Live performance from internationally-renowned band Coldcut (Ninja Tune), presenting the audiovisual film ?Energy Union? about intelligent energy - with VJ and DJ techniques. For more information, visit:www.energyunion.eu

For the full list of events please visitwww.eusew.euand click on "EUSEW in Brussels".


Registration

Advance registration is requested. For further information and to register please visit the press area of the Sustainable Energy Week websitewww.eusew.eu, or contact:

Raffaele Ferrando
Media Relations Officer
+32 2 333 59 05
media.relations@sustenergy.org

EUSEW is organised by the Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) on behalf of the European Commission´s Directorate-General for Energy. Every year, EUSEW is the high point of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign, a multi-annual initiative which contributes to achieving the European Union´s energy policy targets within the fields of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and clean transport.