Twenty-one government officials, project developers and experts from 13 countries of South-Eastern and Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia participated in The Inter-regional Workshop and Study Tour Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects and Policies in Israel. The event, held from 8 to 12 February 2015, was jointly organized by the UNECE and MASHAV – Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Government of Israel. The Workshop aimed at strengthening capacity of decision makers and practitioners from participating countries to increase share of renewable energy (RE) in energy mix and improve energy efficiency (EE). In this context, the participants learnt about the experience of Israel in promoting and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy policies and measures. The experts also shared success stories in this field and explained the challenges for the sector in their respective countries. At the same time, the sessions served as a platform to discuss possibilities for enhancing international cooperation in energy infrastructure and development, as well as financing and investment opportunities from the private and public sources, both domestic and international.
The workshop was organized in sessions and field visits to show to the participants strategic thinking and different solutions in the fields of RE and EE. The event allowed the participants to learn a range of tools to apply the appropriate policy taking into account the specific circumstances of each country. Among other activities, the experts visited companies which manufacture solar water heaters, efficient lighting, and indoor climate control equipment. During the tour they could also see municipal facilities to convert waste into energy, a solar thermal power installation, a solar photovoltaic field, a biogas facility, as well as an off-grid development and demonstration center.
Being one of the leading countries in research, manufacturing, marketing, and application of energy efficiency and renewable energy products and systems, sharing Israel’s know-how was of high value and very much appreciated by the experts who took part at the workshop and the study tour.
Materials and presentations from the Inter-regional Workshop and Study Tour will be available at: http://www.unece.org/index.php?id=38564#/