Ministers from the world’s leading economies will gather in London tomorrow for the first day of the global Clean Energy Ministerial event, held at Lancaster House.
Joining ministerial representatives from more than 20 participating countries, Steve Chu, the U.S. Secretary of Energy, will co-chair the event alongside the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey.
Discussions will focus on progress made by the Clean Energy Ministerial’s 11 clean energy initiatives on the road to a low carbon future.
The event will also explore ways to enhance collaboration between participating governments, and develop strategies to drive public-private engagement to support clean energy deployment.
Jeremy Leggett, Founder and Chairman of Solarcentury, who will be attending the event as one of three solar industry representatives, said: “Solarcentury is attending this gathering to make three key points. First, the days when policy makers could dismiss PV as ‘nice to do’ but ‘too expensive’ are over. PV is an essential ally in the global struggle to deliver energy security and a cost-effective low and then zero carbon future.
“Second, Governments must stop pandering to the fossil fuel and nuclear lobby, a stance which is driving out the very investment which is needed to drive forward PV and other renewable energy technologies.
“And third, Governments need to resist the temptation to keep undermining successful feed-in tariff policies. This industry will continue to cut costs, invest in new products and jobs, but it needs predictable public policy not knee-jerk panic of the type for example that has undermined the UK scheme.”
The discussions will take place from April 25 – 26. Throughout the week a series of announcements will be made on collaborations between countries, new investment and jobs, in areas including energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage, solar, wind and entrepreneurialism.