Six European regions launch renewable-energy network[de] 

The network, launched on 17 April in Brussels, includes the regions of Oberösterreich (Austria), Schleswig-Holstein (Germany), North Sweden and Wales (UK), as well as small European states Cyprus and Iceland.

Each was selected because of its unique experience in one of the following areas: biomass, wind, oceans, solar, geothermal or hydro energy.

The objective of RENREN is to exchange best practice and information between regional administrations but also to enhance co-operation between private companies and raise public awareness on renewable energy via educational programmes.

Speaking at the kick-off event on 17 April, Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said that renewable energies could help avoid supply shortages in the long run if action was taken now.

The minister for agriculture, environment and rural areas of the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, Christian von Bötticher, pointed out that the involved regions could count on positive environmental impacts as well as economic benefits, as energy exports would grow and new jobs would be created.

He expressed his hope that RENREN would grow and that it would be extended to other networks in the future.