Delegates to gather in Denver to share knowledge, ideas, on energy issues

Denver, Colo., Nov. 14, 2003 - Energy ministers, deputy ministers or other representatives from as many as 100 countries are expected to participate in the world's largest gathering of renewable energy experts in Denver, Aug. 28-Sept. 3, 2004. The eighth World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC VIII) will provide a forum for energy suppliers and consumers, as well as governments, industry, academia and financial institutions to discuss the development of energy sources that are secure, sustainable, accessible and economically viable.

Among the topics delegates can expect to discuss are solar energy, wind energy, biomass conversion, geothermal energy, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, gender and energy, and distributed energy and electricity reliability.

WREC VIII allows policy makers, researchers, manufacturers, financiers, government officials and others to present their views in plenary and technical sessions and to participate in discussions, both formal and informal, enabling a transfer of knowledge among nations.

WREC VIII will be hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Other major sponsors include the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the World Renewable Energy Network, the American Council on Renewable Energy, and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

More information on WREC VIII and the companion Energy Technology Expo and Conference, including key contacts, a call for abstracts, and logistics and registration details, is available at www.nrel.gov/wrec .