REFER – Responsible Energy for European Regions


Responsible Energy for European Regions is an initiative that aims to support the role Europe’s regions can play in climate protection by helping them develop and implement energy policies.
REFER was set up by Frank Farnel, Director Global Communications & Public Affairs Europe - GE Energy. The initiative was formally launched in May 2009 by Michèle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions and Ricardo Cordoba, President of General Electric Energy for Western Europe and Northern Africa.

Rationale

The UN Development Programme estimates that in order to reduce the threat of climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the problems of a warmer planet, about 50% to 70% will have to be carried out at a regional level. The International Energy Agency has argued that “leaders of towns and cities around the world” who support and promote local renewable energy projects can blaze a trail towards greenhouse gas mitigation, energy security, sustainable development and social benefits”.
This is due to an anticipated shift in energy production towards renewable energy sources, away from traditional power plants, which amounts to a decentralization of power with a higher number of smaller power plants in different regions across Europe.

Communication channels