Hungary today became a formal partner of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP). By joining forces with the REEEP, Hungary intends to contribute to the development of regional policies on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Budapest, September 24, 2007

Hungary today became a formal partner of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP). Hungary is the 35th country to become a partner of the REEEP, an international public-private partnership that promotes policies and regulations in support of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Hungary is the second East European government to join the partnership.

By joining forces with the REEEP, Hungary intends to contribute to the development of regional policies. Hungary is particularly interested in cooperating with the governments of neighbouring countries in the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency programmes.

"The Hungarian Government has drafted a Renewable Energy Strategy and an Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan. Both of these areas are covered by the activity of REEEP," said Dr. Garamhegyi, Deputy State Secretary of the Hungarian Ministry of Economy and Transport. For example in 2020 the renewable energy contribution to the total primary energy supply will be about 14-16%. Hungary has already met its green electricity target of 3.6% (the original deadline was 2010), however it wants to support the continued development of clean energy.

Hungary's REEEP membership is another example of its plans for improved energy security and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. Establishing international cooperation links with REEEP will allow increased development of renewable energy sources and also the ability to share experiences with neighbouring countries. Actions have already been taken with the enactment of the National Strategy on the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources, and through several existing legislative initiatives.

The policy changes are creating a more favourable investment environment for the country. "REEEP is extremely pleased that Hungary has joined the REEEP. The country has the most successful ESCOs in the region and as a large agricultural producer Hungary has enormous potential for bioenergy," stated Marianne Osterkorn, REEEP's International Director. The Hungarian Ministry of Economy and Transport will act as the Hungarian government's representative to REEEP.

REEEP is active globally, with over 50 on-the-ground projects targeting the development of policy or financial models that can be replicated by governments and project developers worldwide. In Eastern Europe REEEP is working with municipalities to remove barriers to energy efficiency in buildings.

The partnership has more than 220 members, including all G8 countries with the exception of Russia. In 2006, Switzerland, Argentina, Singapore, Romania and Tunisia all joined the REEEP in order to support their domestic renewable energy and energy efficiency programmes.

For more information contact:

Robert Hodosi
Ministry of Economy and Transport
hodosi.robert@gkm.gov.hu