ZEW President Professor Achim Wambach, PhD: "If Energy Supply Is to Become More Efficient, Europe Requires More Integration"

Whilst the UN World Climate Conference progresses in Bonn, the fifth Mannheim Energy Conference began today at the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW). Both events bring international experts from the fields of science, industry and politics together to discuss current questions and problems in the field of energy economics. ZEW President Professor Achim Wambach has taken this opportunity to comment on the current situation in Europe in regards to energy supply.

"Energy markets in Germany and the EU are currently facing major technical and economic challenges. On a national level, we are able to observe high energy prices and a need for grid expansion. The European market is characterised by a huge number of different national energy markets. A much greater level of integration is therefore required if energy supply is to become more efficient, and if prices are to be lowered.

The important aim of reducing carbon dioxide emission is, if not a global, then at least a European task. The challenges of climate protection and energy supply extend beyond national borders and can be solved only by taking an international approach."

For more information please contact

Professor Achim Wambach, PhD, Phone +49(0)621/1235-100, E-mail wambach@zew.de