21/05/2010 Standing Committee
In a resolution adopted today in Skopje, PACE invited member states to “encourage the use of geothermal energy”. According to the Assembly, in order to achieve this goal it is essential, to “increase realisation and awareness among the general public and potential investors of the advantages of geothermal technologies”, and to set up suitable “strategic research programmes, financing and insurance schemes”.
René Rouquet (France, SOC), PACE rapporteur on this question, points out that although its exploitation still suffers from shortcomings in legislative and financial terms, geothermal energy remains sustainable and non-polluting, and has many advantages owing to its availability and low operating cost. On that account, the Assembly feels that geothermal energy can be a worthwhile solution for meeting energy needs, and “an effective instrument in response to climate change”.