Austrian energy-autonomous city to host OSCE delegation on International Environment Day

VIENNA, 4 June 2007 - On the occasion of the International Environment Day, marked on 5 June, more than 40 OSCE delegates will visit the Austrian city of Gussing which relies exclusively on renewable energy.

The delegation will tour a biomass gasification plant, a photovoltaic plant and a school for solar energy. Participants will discus how to apply the experience of the Gussing energy concept to other countries.

"In the 1990's, thanks to a project sponsored by the European Union, the Republic of Austria and Land Burgenland, Gussing became famous for its 'energy-autonomy'," said Bernard Snoy, the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

"Gussing is an ideal showcase on how to address environmental threats caused by the increasing usage of fossil-fuel energies and is proof of the fact that feasible, cost-effective and environmentally sound technologies can be found to address the modern carbon-reduction challenge.

The visit is being made possible through support from the Spanish Chairmanship, the Republic of Austria and the European Centre for Renewable Energy in Gussing. Find out more about the Centre at: http://www.eee-info.net