The Swiss Confederation became a formal partner of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP). Switzerland is keen to facilitate the transfer of expertise on renewable energy to and from Switzerland, and to provide momentum for national public and private investment programs.

Bern, January 17, 2006

The Swiss Confederation became a formal partner of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) today. Switzerland is the fortieth country to become a partner of the REEEP, an international alliance of governments, NGOs and businesses dedicated to accelerating and expanding the global market for renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.

Joining forces with the REEEP will facilitate the transfer of expertise on renewable energy to and from Switzerland, provide momentum for national public and private investment programs and help develop the industry.

"Switzerland is looking forward to this partnership and to our close involvement with REEEP," said Moritz Leuenberger, President of the Swiss Confederation, announcing the Swiss accession to REEEP alongside the Director of the Federal Office of Energy, Walter Steinmann.

"Our REEEP membership echoes Switzerland's commitment towards global climate protection and to sustainable development. Intensifying our international cooperation within this initiative will not only strengthen our national energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, but it will also be highly beneficial for our industry and research organisations involved in the energy technology market." stated President Leuenberger.

Marianne Osterkorn, REEEP International Director, sees the commitment of the Swiss government as major step towards engaging the international finance community with the clean energy sector. "Switzerland's leadership in financial services and the reinsurance industry are crucial to attract the levels of finance necessary to expand the marketplace for renewable and energy-efficient technologies. REEEP also looks forward to Switzerland's leadership in energy efficiency technologies as REEEP expands its work into buildings and the built environment."

REEEP's work is focused on the development and support of legislative and regulatory frameworks that accelerate the marketplace for renewable energy and energy efficiency. REEEP is active globally, with over 58 on-the-ground projects targeting the development of policy or financial models that can be replicated by governments and project developers worldwide. The partnership has more than 160 members, including all G8 countries with the exception of Russia. In 2005, Angola, Canada, Chile, France, Hong Kong, Mexico and South Korea all joined the REEEP in order to support their domestic renewable energy and energy efficiency programmes.

For more information contact:
Marianne Zuend, Communications Officer, Swiss Federal Office of Energy (marianne.zuend@bfe.admin.ch )