OSCE Minsk Office organizes seminar on energy sources

MINSK, 12 February 2008 - Developing alternative and renewable sources of energy, including the use of biomass, is the focus of a seminar that opened in Minsk today.

The two-day event, "Perspectives and opportunities of biomass usage for energy purposes: international and national experience", was organized by the OSCE Office in Minsk and the International Sakharov Environmental University with the support of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

It brought together Belarus officials and academics, and international experts from Austria, Belgium, Poland and Sweden.

"The energy sector is an area where the OSCE and Belarus could strengthen co-operation," said Ambassador Hans-Jochen Schmidt, the Head of the OSCE Office.

"This can be done in the field of energy efficiency and in the field of alternative energies. The development of alternative and renewable sources of energy is key for any country. However, we need to take into account the natural resources available, develop comprehensive strategies and introduce new technology, and have an appropriate legal and taxation framework."

In 2007, the OSCE Office organized a study tour to Sweden for 6 representatives of key Belarusian institutions to study the Swedish experience in the field of alternative energies.

The OSCE Office promotes awareness of the need for alternative energies and is prepared to help Belarus develop a comprehensive approach and framework to have this sector integrated in the economy in a profitable and sustainable manner.