Sustainable Energy Future: Challenges and Opportunities. Experience of the UK
The main objective of the conference was to promote broader dialogue between Lithuanian and UK public and business institutions.
On February 28 the British Embassy, in partnership with the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organised a conference on Sustainable Energy Future: Challenges and Opportunities. Experience of the UK.
The main objective of the conference was to promote broader dialogue between Lithuanian and UK public and business institutions and discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from transition towards a sustainable energy future.
The Conference was also the platform to share UK’s experience on how local authorities co-operate with business in promoting energy efficiency and sustainable energy projects as well as discuss what are the market driven solutions to promote research, innovation, trade and investment into sustainable, low-carbon energy products and technologies;
The event provided an opportunity for networking and building bilateral contacts between the energy sectors of the UK and Lithuania.
At the opening of the conference, the British Ambassador David Hunt said :
Globally, demand for energy is rising, as China, India and other emerging economies become more prosperous. At the same time, UK production of oil and gas is falling, making us increasingly dependent on imported fossil fuel and exposed to international fuel price volatility. Last year as a country we spent over £18bn on imported fossil fuels. At the same time we are facing the parallel threat of climate change.
The science is not in doubt: it’s happening and if we don’t do something about it then the impact is likely to be catastrophic. Tackling these twin challenges – energy security and climate change –goes hand in hand.
For example, increasing our energy efficiency and moving to a more diverse energy system can both cut carbon emissions and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels. Taking this action is not free, but the costs are relatively small and they pale into insignificance compared to the costs of doing nothing. This is why the UK Government is committed to a low carbon, sustainable energy future.
The following UK companies organisations and associations are taking part in the conference: Energy Saving Trust, Ampair Energy Limited, Sgurr Energy, ARUP, Renewable UK Association, Bristol City Council.