The panel discussion 'Opportunities for cooperation between Russia and the EU in the energy sector and energy efficiency,' organised by the Association of European Businesses (AEB) will take place at the ‘Russian Energy Week’ International Forum.
Cooperation between Russia and the European Union on energy and energy efficiency is a key element in the sustainable development of the world economy. In 2018, Russia and the EU set themselves ambitious targets to reduce the energy intensity of GDP by 2030. The clear need for this discussion is rooted in the fourth industrial revolution, which is happening right now for all to see and which affects all countries and all sectors, simultaneously increasing the demand for energy resources. Russian energy, which is the basis of economic growth and development of the country’s industry, can pioneer an integrated approach to the transition to digital technology. However, to ensure that success is widespread, the innovations introduced should not only be advanced, but also integratable. Only then it will be possible to create a unified European and global digital energy environment.
“Digital technologies have made room for data exchange between various participants in the EU energy market, thereby increasing trust, efficiency, and competitiveness in the operation of the regional energy system. However, an important condition for the long-term success of this process is synergy with the key energy industry partner of the European Union – the Russian Federation,” said Frank Schauff, CEO of the AEB, who initiated the session 'Opportunities for cooperation between Russia and the EU in the energy sector and energy efficiency,' and will moderate it.
Discussion participants will include the CEO of Signify in Russia and the CIS Eric Benedetti, Chairman of the AEB Board, President of Schneider Electric for Russia and the CIS Johan Vanderplaetse, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Anton Inyutsyn, Total Country Chair Russia and General Director, Total E&P Russie Arnaud Le Fall, head of ABB's Grid Integration business Patrick Fragman, ENI’s Executive Vice President for Market Development in Russia and Central Asia Ernesto Ferlenghi, Senior Advisor at Switzerland's Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) Victor Haefeli, Head of the Department for the Environment and Energy Efficiency at TIAR Center Bashir Chalabi. Sector experts will discuss the opportunities for integrating the energy systems of Russia and the EU through digital technologies in the medium term, the impact of this partnership on the adoption of digital technologies by the power industry, the role of business in developing Russian–European cooperation and other equally relevant issues.
“Today Russia already guarantees reliable supplies of environmentally friendly energy to European customers. Successful cooperation in research and technology, the creation and adoption of new technology in the energy sector requires an ongoing dialogue. The discussion between Russian and European industry participants will help address the main issues of digital integration in the energy sector and the establishment of a unified system between Russia and the European Union,” said Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov.