Renewable energy is an essential instrument in the fight against global climate change and a safe alternative to hazardous nuclear energy and hydrocarbons. In Northwest Russia there is a wealth of non-conventional renewable energy resources (wind, small hydro, biomass, wave, tide and solar) which are underdeveloped today. These clean alternative resources can be utilised for the benefit of the environment, peoples’ health and the economy in Russia and the Nordic Countries.

Bellona advocates creating a broad base of support for the development and implementation of alternative renewable energy in Northwest Russia. To this end, The Bellona Foundation and Bellona Murmansk take the initiative and establish a Northwest Russia Renewable Energy Forum as an arena for cross-border dialog, cooperation and problem-solving in developing and implementing renewable energy in Northwest Russia. The purpose of the forum is to stimulate research, development, investment, implementation and commercialization of renewable energy resources in the region.

Bellona recommends a cross-border, multi-sector working model that includes a variety of specialists, as the best means of supporting rapid development and implementation of renewable energy projects in Northwest Russia. Bellona is convinced that by pooling the resources from research, business and industry, government and NGOs it is possible to achieve environmentally sustainable development of the renewable energy resources in the region and attract investors. To the Northwest Russia Renewable Energy Forum, Bellona welcomes the participation of:

- small and large businesses working to develop renewable resources

- scientific researchers concerned with renewable energy potential and technology

- government officials responsible for energy and development decisions

- energy power companies and suppliers

- project designers and developers

- juridical experts

- financial institutions and private investors

- environmental NGOs

The Northwest Russia Renewable Energy Forum will function as a permanent meeting place for Russian and Nordic stakeholders interested in participating in renewable energy development in the region, regardless of whether their main motivation is ecological or economic-based. In order to create the necessary conditions and instruments for implementation of renewable energy, Bellona will work with all stakeholders and arrange regular workshops of the forum where renewable energy issues and obstacles can be addressed and resolved.

Developing non-conventional, clean energy sources will have positive environmental consequences, provide a solution to local, as well as regional, concerns about energy supply and security and generate new business opportunities and jobs. Today, The Bellona Foundation and Bellona Murmansk establish the Northwest Russia Renewable Energy Forum in order to effectively support renewable energy development and implementation in the region.

April 2, 2008

The Bellona Foundation "Bellona Murmansk"