Energy greetings to Porto

(PES, Euroopan Sosialistipuolue kokoontuu Portossa Portugalissa joulukuun alussa. Energiakysymykset ovat siellä taatusti esillä, siinä taustaa PES@ctivists-blogin 4.12.2006 tekstille, jossa kirjoitan energiasta, julkisesta hankintapolitiikasta ja innovaatioista.)

Unfortunately I won't be able to join you in Porto, but I'd like to mention three topics which you'll most likely discuss there, among others: energy, public procurement and innovations.

Hardly any one doubts that providing equal and safe access to energy is the most basic service, next to freshwater and sanitation. However, the hugely growing worldwide demand on energy, liberalization (read: privatization) of the market, and the proven linkages between fossil fuels and global warming make energy a politically explosive package.

Even if one would not feel sorry for the ice bears and would not be aware of the future of SIDS (Small Island Developing States), the growing price of fossil fuels has become unbearable: pollution of the environment of the poorest, and the dollars and loss of democracy spent on wars and corruption.

The answer to the energy crisis is not simply 'more energy!' First, we'll have to save energy, consume less, change our habits, think different. Second, we'll have to develop and use more energy efficient technologies - which does not necessarily mean super-hi-tech. As an example, in many climates the most traditional building is the most energy efficient building. Public transport is far more efficient than mobility based on private cars and all the infrastructure they need. Third, we'll have to shift towards renewable energy sources, and this will require a hefty dose of political will, too.

Why public procurement in this connection? The public sector - cities, governments, public institutions like universities etc. - can and must set the standard. How can we ask our citizen to think and act differently, if the tax money is not spent the way we speak?

The public sector can be an informed client, asking the private and the third sector to deliver energy efficient and ethically sustainable products and services, it won't buy any other stuff.

My favourite example dates back to 1970s, when the City of Curitiba in Brazil decided that they want to have a public transport system that did not exist anywhere, yet, a Bus Rapid Transport system. Finally Volvo agreed to develop a BRT bus for Curitiba - and now they have a big factory in Brazil. Isn't this what we call both technological and social innovation?

Have a great time in Porto!