Technological advances are making it possible to derive energy from greener sources. But wind turbines, solar panels, biofuels, biomass plants or carbon capture and storage (CSS) are not free of controversy.

There are still concerns about each technology, which have in various parts of Europe stoked resistance to pilot and full-scale deployment projects. Wind farms are criticised for being noisy eyesores. Biofuels are accused threatening biodiversity and negatively affects food production and prices. Opponents of CCS projects say the technology is still risky. There have been ‘not-in-my-backyard’ reactions to solar projects, with complaints that solar parks affect land prices. Yet, at the same time, opinion polls show that the general public remains very supportive of renewable energies.

This puts politicians and decision-makers in a difficult position. Unless the public accepts these new technologies, the EU will not reach its targets to decrease emissions by 20% compared to 1990 levels by 2020, increase the share of renewables in its energy mix to 20% and de-carbonise its energy sector by 2050. Equally, Europe’s competitiveness will be affected unless employment and competitiveness opportunities must be met.

The EU and its member states have already developed tools that allow for public involvement in decision-making on infrastructure projects, through their environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment legislations. But public consultation is not made mandatory, and public consultation does not automatically lead to support either.

Should the EU develop a specific strategy to win public support of new technological infrastructure projects? Is it up to member states or regions to persuade local populations?

Is public awareness sufficient? How can the EU bridge the gap between theory and practice?

This debate takes places during the Committee of the Regions’ Open Days that brings together representatives from Europe’s Regions and Cities.

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Provisional Timing

14.00-14.30 Welcome of participants and registration

14.30-14.35 Introduction of participants by European Voice senior editorial staff

14.35-14.45 Presentation by Ron van Erck, policy officer, DG energy, European Commission, of preliminary findings of European Commission (DG energy) study on public attitudes to low-carbon energy technologies

14.45-15.15 Panel discussion

• Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for climate action (until 15.30)
• Jean-Marc Nollet, vice-president, minister in charge of energy and sustainable development, Wallonia Region*
• Vicente J. Cortes, president, CIUDEN foundation
• Nick Pidgeon, professor of applied psychology, Cardiff University
• Andrea Athanas, senior programme officer, energy, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

15.15-16.25 Debate (audience participation strongly encouraged)

16.25-16.30 Conclusions by Graeme Sweeney, executive vice-president – Group CO2, Shell

16.30 Networking reception

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To register for the Comment:Visions event, click here and select workshop number 05C05

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