Objectives & Goals

The Institute of Energy of South East Europe (ΙΕΝΕ) is a non-profit organization whose main activity is the study of energy matters and the provision of qualified information to professionals and to the public at large. IENE aspires to become the focus around which energy matters can be discussed, analysed, compiled and presented to the scientific-technical communities and to the representatives of social, business and economic life in Greece and SE Europe. IENE's high scientific and technological standing ensures the excellence and full transparency of its activities. IENE wishes to actively contribute to the better understanding of energy use, including energy strategy and policy. IENE believes that every effort must be made to utilize to the highest degree possible the region's rich indigenous energy resources and thus lessen its dependence on fuel imports.

IENE is active in the whole energy spectrum and among the subjects which it studies and monitors are the following:

• Production, transportation and distribution of electricity. (Including fossil fuels, hydroelectricity and nuclear energy),
• Exploration and production of hydrocarbons, including natural gas. (upstream),
• Refining, marketing and distribution of oil products (downstream),
• Development and utilisation of all forms of renewable energy sources,
• Energy conservation in the domestic and industrial sectors,
• Heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings,
• Waste management in conjunction with energy production and usage,
• Environmentally clean energy production based on conventional fuels,
• Development and utilisation of hydrogen as a new energy fuel.

The Institute of Energy for South-East Europe was founded in Athens, in July 2003, as a non-govermental, non-profit making organization, by 20 independent scientists and business executives concerned with the energy sector.

The prime purpose of the IENE is to constitute a centre from which energy matters can be discussed, analysed, contributed-to and presented-to scientific/tech-nological communities, to the social, productive and financial institutions as well as to state establisments energy companies, without predjudice, with objectivity and credibility guaranteeing its scientific and managerial standing and the transparency of all its activities.

A key objective is to participate in the formulation of policies at both national and international levels and in the immediate geographical area of S.E. Europe. Such policies will focus on the rationalised production and exploitation of energy from all sources, both traditional and renewable, as well as new, environmentally-friendly sources, thus serving the broader European Union strategy for sustainable development. This strategy is based on social and economic development and environemental protection.

The Institute aspires to play a significant role in providing factual and unbiased information in Greece and internationally on matters concerning energy, the environment and sustainable development. At the same time, the Institute hopes to provide a suitable platform for discussion and analysis on the critical subjects of energy and the environment which are of a broader concern to society.

In its endeavours to widen the dialogue on energy and the environment, the Institute will rely on a suitable infrastructure which will aspire to develop, and which will enable it to exemplify its positions and foster an exchange of views, via publications and electronic means, and also through the organisation of public events (e.g. open discussions, workshops, seminars, conferences, educational visits to energy units and installations).

Areas of activity

• Production, exploration, transmission and distribution of electricity.
• Research, exploration, production and exploitation of hydrocarbons, including natural gas.
• Utilisation of Renewable Energy Sources.
• Heating and cooling of buildings.
• Management of refuse and waste in relation to the production and use of energy.
• "Clean" technology for electricity production with traditional fuels.
• Production and utilisation of hydrogen as a new energy fuel.
• Energy and urban transport.
• Energy and the environment. Management of environmental matters such as CO2 sequestration and storage, qualitative and quantitative analytical methods. Air quality and quality of fuels, etc.

Means for Achieving IENE's goals

(i) Information - Publicity
One of the basic activities of the IENE is the provision of the necessary information and updating on the energy situation and related activities in Greece as well as South East Europe. This information is provided on a regular basis through the publication of articles, research papers, conference proceedings studies and books as well as via the specialist internet sites supported and controlled by the Institute. In the field of communication the Institute organizes frequent conferences, meetings, educational seminars, workshops and public discussions on the subjects of energy, environment and sustainable development relative to Greece and the adjacent area of S.E. Europe.

One of the better known events of the IENE is the annual national conference "Energy and Development" organized every autumn in Athens with the participation of both Greek and foreign speakers and participants from all over the world. Another important event is the "Oil and the Economy" conference first organized in April 2003, and now scheduled in as a regular Institute activity. IENE"s plans include the organizing of meetings on a wide range of energy ralated subjects including natural gas, solid fuels, the electricity market, renewable every sources, energy conservation and new energy technologies such as hydrogen. Also, among the plans of IENE is the organisation of a regional conference, at S.E. European level, that will cover the activities of the various countries in the area and be directed at senior government and business executives responsible for the laying-down of economic and energy policies.

The IENE participates actively in the promotion and diffusion of new energy technologies, the transfer of "know-how" and the implementation of E.U. policies and directives. Within this framework, the IENE co-operates with corresponding bodies, both domestic and foreign, in promoting these goals and activities. The Institute aims to organise on regular basis specialist events, as well as meetings of a more general nature of interest to the public at large.

(ii) Education
As part of its activities, the IENE organizes meetings, lectures, seminars, workshops and task forces and promotes exchanges and general educational activities and programmes which have the objective of promoting knowledge and experience on energy and environmental and development matters. The establishment of scholarship programmes for post-graduate studies in the fields of energy, and environment, in Greece and abroad, constitutes one of the basic goals of the IENE. The educational goals of the Institute include the promulgation of methods, tools and practices for the protection of the environment, the utilisation and promotion of renewable sources of energy, new forms of energy and new technologies (e.g. Hydrogen and Fuel Cells), as well as the use of clean and effective technologies based on traditional fuels.

(iii) Research and Technological Development
The field of research and technological development forms one of the basic activities of the IENE which participates in the training and elaboration, either alone or with third parties, of research work and studies having relevance to energy, environmental and development themes, and which cover Greece, S.E. Europe and beyond. The IENE undertakes the organization and conducting of market research, surveys and monitoring projects relative to the use and management of energy, the consumption of fuels, use of materials, public trends and more generally environmental measures and interests. Also, it takes part in research programmes, and participates, as an adviser in the preparation of investment proposals for third parties in the area of energy and the environment.

Among its activities, the IENE supports programmes for the study, application and follow-up of various measures involved in environmental protection. At the same time, it formulates and organizes programmes for the monitoring and management of energy sources in connection with the protection of the environment, whilst participating in national, regional, European and international research and scientific programmes. Within the framework of its interest in promoting research and development programmes, the Institute will aim for the support of innovative efforts and inventions on a practical level which aspire to the most economical and beneficial use of energy.

(iv) Documentation
Among the priorities of the IENE is the creation of a library which will include basic bibliography on all energy subjects whilst it will have access, via the internet, and other means to international reference material and key data. Also, via the web sites of the I.E.N.E., www.iene.gr and the better-known www.energia.gr the Institute is proceeding with the daily recording of the most significant developments in the energy field in Greece, the surrounding geographical area and the international domain. Parallel to this, the IENE, through the regular issue of publications (magazines and newsletters) updates its members and its circle of associates of current developments in the energy field.

(v) Co-operation with the Institutional Organs of the European Union and other National and International Institutions
The Institute, in accordance with its Articles of Association, may submitt proposals to the European Commission and other International Organisations (e.g. UN bodies, World Bank) participate in the management of EU programmes, resources and initiatives, co-operate with the European Parliament, the Regional Commission and other national or international bodies and organisations. Also, it aims to co-ordinate activities with other Institutes and organizations, national and foreign universities, take part in common programmes, research oriented or not, and also participate in dissemination/briefing and other associated activities. IENE will maintain a pool of scientists ready to offer consultancy services and also as act evaluators in the E.U projects.

(vi) Co-operation with S.E. Europe
Particular emphasis has been given to networking and co-operation with energy companies, institutional bodies and organizations, research centres and scientific institutions active in the field of energy and the environment in the countries of S.E. Europe. The Institute is prepared to contribute to the elaboration of policies normally required as part of international obligations and transitional phases. The IENE aspires to act as a bridge of energy communication and promotion between Greece and the countries of S.E. Europe.