The increasing prices of the petrol, electricity problems in major geographical areas, the fusion energy discussions, the ambitious environmental goals of Europe and the need of new energy sources are only some of the questions, outlining the high priority and relevance of the Congress topic. Nowadays we are looking for alternative energy sources, which will have a major influence to the economy and environment.

The International Congress and Exhibition on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources in Industry and Construction is the biggest event in the field in Bulgaria and the region. It is organized a year after the first International Conference on Energy Efficiency in the Construction which gathered over 300 participants from Bulgaria and European countries.

Auspice of the Forum is given by the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Ministry of Energy and Energy Resources, the Ministry of Environment and Waters, the Energy Efficiency Agency, UNEP / SEFI Sustainable Energy Financing Initiative and Dr. Herman Sheer – President of the World Council for Renewable Energy.

The event will highlight and discuss the newest technologies and products, leading good practices and European strategies. The forum enables contacts and future partnerships establishing as well as picking up with the modern tendencies in the sector. The Bulgarian economy and industry face the need of more efficient buildings and industry. The organizers believe the Congress is the best way for dissemination of know-how and practices as well as for awareness raising. Renewable energies offer an affordable and save energy supply for everyone.

Congress participants will meet high-qualified speakers from Bulgaria and abroad, will share and discuss ideas and experience with representatives of the business societies from the Balkan Region. The forum will discuss renewable energy technologies, ways of projects financing and successfully implemented examples for energy efficiency in the small and medium sized enterprises, utility companies and the whole SouthEast Europe region society. It is expected that the Congress will contribute to the environment policy, the reducing of CO2 emissions and energy consumption in industry as well as to the increasing of investments in energy saving technologies and higher competitiveness not only of the Bulgarian companies, but the one from the Southeast Europe Region too.

Main Program accents are the financial and investment part, the energy efficiency education as well as the Session for Financial schemes and instruments for implementation and promotion of RES & EE in SE Europe. The World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstructure and Development, the United Nations Environment Program and the Department for financing of EE projects; the Bulgarian and Romanian Energy Efficiency Fund will be presented at the Forum. The Center for Renewable Energy Sources of Athens will share its investment attracting experience. The Congress will also present the Berlin Energy Agency and the EEI Consulting Company from UK. The important question for energy management and “green certificates” trade will be discussed.

The Congress organizers believe the energy efficiency training is very important as it can influence the behavior of the end consumers. Young specialists as well may contribute to the energy efficiency increasing and application of renewable energy sources.

Partners and supporters of the International Congress are: the Bulgarian Construction Chamber, the National Building Federation, UNEP / SEFI Sustainable Energy Financing Initiative, REEEP - Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership, ISPE, Awel Aman Tawe, Erneuerbare Energien, Bulgarian – Greek Chamber of Commerce, University of Food Technologies, Technical University Sofia, EUBA – Energy Utilization of Biomass Association

The Congress Scientific Committee consists of 17 high level experts from Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Austria, Italy, Serbia & Montenegro, Romania. The event has already become popular in the specialised societies from Europe. Over 40 topics from speakers from 12 countries were approved and included in the Congress Programme. Over 10 companies from Bulgaria, Germany, The Netherlands, Austria and Italy have applied for participation with commercial presentations. The registered so far participants are specialists from 22 countries: Bulgaria, Austria, Algeria, Belgium, China, Croatia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Fiji, France, Italy, Hungary, Monako, Pakistan, Romania, Serbia and Monte Negro, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Turkey.

During the Congress will be held a specialised exhibition and poster session, presenting new technologies and installations for increasing of energy efficiency and appliance of renewable energy sources into homes, industry and construction.

From 11 to 12 April 2005 Geonardo Ltd., will organize a two-day intensive international training course on developing and submitting EU project proposals in the field of energy and environment.

For more information please contact Mrs. Maya Krasteva at + 359 888 926 587