24 January 2011: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), together with the European Energy Centre and the Terre Policy Centre, convened the 14th European Conference on the Latest Technologies in Renewable Energy, Heating and Cooling Applications, in Edinburgh, UK, on 24 January 2011.

The conference brought together university and industry experts on renewable heating and cooling technologies. Delegates from 11 countries also attended the event, which provided an opportunity for exchanging practical and concrete solutions for the heating and cooling technologies using renewable energy.

Panellists highlighted the need to address the drastic shortage in trained renewable energy installers and technicians, with UNEP representatives underscoring the need for business and academic partnerships, tax rebates, tax holidays and other incentives. [UNEP Press Release]