Majority world needs rich world support on renewables

Tony Killeen, an Irish Minister of State, spoke at the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference this week, and told delegates of the need to help developing countries reduce their emissions.

Killeen was giving the keynote address to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) meeting. Ireland is an active member of REEEP, and helps to support renewable energy projects in Africa. Ireland is world renowned for its own renewable energy technology sector, especially in wind energy.

Killeen said in his speech: “Projects funded by Ireland such as the winter forestry project in Uganda make a real difference to the quality of life of local people,” he said.

“It is important that developing countries can put in place a more secure low-carbon energy system to underpin their economic and social development.

“It is critical that fully developed countries like Ireland play their part in transferring cleaner energy technologies to developing and third world countries.”

The Washington International Renewable Energy Conference was also addressed by president Bush. It is the largest conference of its type in the world, and is a key meeting place for governments and NGOs to discuss environmental and energy issues.