Mr. Einar Steensnæs, Minister of Petroleum and Energy, is attending the International Conference on Renewable Energy in Bonn today. The conference is hosted by the German government, and is an important step forwards in the follow-up of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002.

-I am very satisfied by the results obtained here inBonn. Together with 153 countries we have taken major steps forward in the international co-operation to promote renewable energy. TheBonnconference reflects the growing understanding among governments, international organizations, business and the society at large of the need to for continued and increased efforts in promoting renewable sources of energy. This is important in order to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and to fight poverty in developing countries, Mr. Steensnæs said.

The minister emphasized the Norwegian activities particularly in Africa, in developing institutions and capacities to utilize and manage national renewable sources of energy. The Norwegian government has announced increased efforts in this area. He further pointed to the strengthened efforts in Norway to increase the production and use of renewable sources of energy like wind power and bio-energy, and increased use of district heating based on renewable energy.

-The political declaration from theBonnconference will give a clear message that the efforts to promote renewable energy on international and national levels will be increased. An important challenge will be to make new renewable sources of energy competitive through further technology development and further development of innovative and cost-effective market mechanisms, stated minister Steensnæs.