Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SET Plan 2016-CEEC X (Strategic Energy Technology Plan 2016 – Central European Energy Conference X)

Teaser

The main objective of the project was the organization of the international conference “SET Plan 2016 - Central European Energy Conference X” during the presidency of the Slovak Republic in the second half of 2016. The SET Plan 2016 conference was conjoined with the 10th...

Summary

The main objective of the project was the organization of the international conference “SET Plan 2016 - Central European Energy Conference X” during the presidency of the Slovak Republic in the second half of 2016. The SET Plan 2016 conference was conjoined with the 10th annual Central European Energy Conference (CEEC X) which created a prestigious international platform offering a floor for open discussion about the most important issues regarding current EU energy policy and research and innovation policy between relevant stakeholders. The conference examined the process of creating the European Energy Union, focusing on the research and innovation strategy, which is one of the priority areas expected to bring a breakthrough in transforming the EU energy sector. Its ambition was improve the visibility of the Energy Union, to identify policy options and priorities and to plan future actions.

The conference brought together researchers and policymakers from various member states, in particular, from the region of Central Europe, as well as a range of stakeholders from international organizations, research organisations, business, municipalities and civil society to encourage open debate around key energy issues.

The conference was held from 30th November to 2nd December, 2016. It was structured in 8 main panels on priority dimensions of the Energy Union and SET Plan and 6 thematic parallel dinner sessions which were devoted to various relevant subjects with the involvement of representatives from civil society, policymaker, business, science and innovation, and regional and local authorities. The conference was accompanied by 5 side events the day before the main programme. The side events aim to present added value for the conference participants willing to establish new contacts and partnerships for future cooperation including research and innovation projects, business and technological cooperation. The conference also included a poster session that provided energy sector stakeholders the opportunity to present their work, exchange ideas and share information on innovative projects, best practices and original research findings in all topics related to energy sector and especially for the conference topics.

Structure of the conference:
 8 main panels on priority dimensions of the Energy Union
 6 parallel specific thematic workshops (Dinner Sessions - DS)  poster session
 5 side events
The event programme includes social activities – gala dinner, cocktail – that were expected to strengthen the impact of the conference and complement the official conference agenda. All the conference participants are free to attend these events.

The main objectives of the SET Plan 2016 – Central European Energy Conference X were to examine achievements in the implementation of the Energy Union with a special focus on the role of its Research & Innovation dimension, to assess progress and evaluate the role of Central European member states in the implementation of the goals of the Energy Union within the other four priority dimensions of the Energy Union, including security of supply, creation of an integrated energy market, improving energy efficiency and reduction of emissions. The overall objective was to foster visibility and understanding of the Energy Union and the topic of Strategic Energy Technologies.

Work performed

The work plan of the SET Plan 2016 - CEEC X conference followed a clear structure based on five work packages.

WP1 Project management

WP2: Preparatory Phase of the conference - primary tasks necessary to establish the basis for managing the organisational and technical aspects of the project - preparation of conference programme, selection of the venue, invitation of the speakers and panelists, catering, technical support, security, etc.

WP3: Conference organization and management - manage organisational and technical aspects of the conference before and during the event.

WP4: Follow-Up Phase - exploiting the conference results and disseminating them, while arranging the handover of the project assets (database information, social network, relevant papers).

WP5: Communication and Dissemination - communication, dissemination and exploitation activities before, during and after the conference, including visual identity and own communication channels, dissemination and promotion materials, media communication, and policy-related outputs.

Final results

The conference and its related activities brought together range of stakeholders from international organizations, research organisations, business, municipalities and civil societyand tackle major broad challenges. It provided a breeding ground for ideas, raising awareness about key issues related to the energy sector in the EU, networking and discussion with potentially transformative impacts on society and the economy. We believe this platform will stimulate effective participation and commitment to research, innovation and competitiveness in the process of the energy system transformation in EU. After the conference a conference report was released. Reports from panels and dinner sessions convey main ideas. Complete and exact quotes may be found in videos available at www.setplan2016.sk.

Website & more info

More info: http://www.setplan2016.sk.