Press release May 27th, 2010
The EU-Russia Innovation Forum discussed energy efficiency
The third day of the EU-Russia Innovation Forum opened with the very current theme of energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is the keyword when the competitiveness of the European and Russian economic areas is reformed.
The moderator of the morning sessions, CEO of Fortum Tapio Kuula, stated that the development of energy efficiency is an imperative key factor in curbing climate change. ”The question is often seen as merely a technological challenge, but also the aspects of legislation, regulation, incentives and innovation development should be born in mind. Political support from national governments is important. In addition to industry, also households can work towards improving energy efficiency, and also different transportation solutions can have a positive impact on the development,” said Kuula.
Pirjo-Liisa Koskimäki, Head of the EU Energy Efficiency Unit, reminded the audience about the 20-20-20 basic policy in the reduction of emissions, the increase of renewable energy and the improvement of energy efficiency. In the Roadmap for the year 2050, she pointed out the role of technology e.g. in terms of intelligent networks, but challenged researchers to develop innovations also in the service sector. Koskimäki wondered: ”For example, the renovation of buildings is still a multidimensional job. Could it be made more efficient with new innovations?”
Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) invests in energy research. ”LUT plays a strong role in the development of intelligent networks, and our research areas include the promotion of distributed electricity production, such as wind, solar and bio energy, and the use of electric car batteries as part of the electrical network and electricity market. Other research areas include the possibilities of electricity consumers to conserve energy, and the development of completely new network solutions that utilise power electronics,” related Professor Jarmo Partanen.
”Energy Club” being developed
Minister Mauri Pekkarinen, Researcher Vitaly Sergeev from St. Petersburg State University and Deputy Representative Plenipotentiary of the President of the Russian Federation in the North-Western Federal District Evgeny Lukyanov all introduced the idea of a Finnish-Russian committee, the Energy Club. It would serve as a framework for dealing with practical needs and finding solutions to energy issues together. Sergeev also highlighted Russia’s need to diversify the utilisation of renewable energy sources, and believed that Finland has much to give in this area.
Overall, the discussion emphasised that the efficiency of energy production, distribution and use is a key element in the combat against climate change.
One of the organisers of the EU-Russia Innovation Forum is Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT), and its department LUT Energy is Finland's largest university unit providing energy-related research and education. The fields of specialisation of LUT Energy are energy technology, electrical engineering and environmental technology. The expertise of the department ranges from energy sources to end-use: fuels, production technologies, electrical networks and markets, and energy consumption are areas of current interest.
Further information:
Tapio Kuula, President and CEO of Fortum, tel. + 358 10 452 4112