OSCE Office in Minsk helps raise awareness of alternative energy sources

MINSK, 31 March 2009 - A seminar on alternative renewable energy sources, supported by the OSCE Office in Minsk, was held at the International Sakharov Environmental University in Minsk today.

The seminar, which included theoretical and practical sessions, aimed to enhance awareness of alternative renewable sources of energy. A similar event will take place on 2 April in the Gomel region.

Opening the conference, University Rector Semion Kundas said: "The University places importance on educating specialists, engineers and managers in the field of renewable energies and the seminars conducted today in Minsk and soon in the Gomel region, with the support of the OSCE, are a critical step in that direction."

Francois-Vadim de Hartingh, Programme Manager at the OSCE Office in Minsk, added: "It is a priority of the OSCE Office to work with younger generations to promote new thinking, new policies and new technologies, aimed at bringing about development based on sustainable and natural resources available in the country."

The development of alternative renewable sources of energy is a critical part of Belarus' efforts to reduce its energy dependence on fossil fuels, mostly oil and gas.

The International Sakharov Environmental University has developed an ambitious programme on alternative energy sources, including an experimental station in Volma, near Minsk.The OSCE Office in Minsk is supporting the initiative by connecting researchers with foreign expertise, particularly from the EU.