Patrick Heinrichs
32-2-421.85.42
p.heinrichs@awex.be

Join us on this one-day working visit to the EBRD in London and explore cutting-edge renewable energy projects. Gain exclusive insights into sustainable initiatives, network with key stakeholders within the EBRD, and discover how the EBRD is driving the transition to a greener future.

Context

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), established in 1991, plays a crucial role in fostering economic development across Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Southern and Eastern Mediterranean and beyond. Initially focused on supporting post-Soviet economies in their transition to market-oriented systems, the EBRD has since expanded its scope to include sustainable development, climate resilience, and renewable energy projects. Its investments have spurred economic growth, improved infrastructure, and promoted environmental sustainability. With a commitment to advancing green energy, the EBRD has significantly impacted global efforts to combat climate change, making it a pivotal institution in the push for a sustainable future.

This one-day working visit is dedicated to renewable energy, highlighting the innovative projects the EBRD supports in this critical sector. Participants will delve into a range of sustainable energy initiatives, showcasing how the EBRD is driving the global transition to clean energy. 

The visit will also offer a comprehensive overview of the financial products and services the EBRD provides, specifically tailored to support Belgian companies looking to invest in or expand their renewable energy ventures in the EBRD’s main beneficiary countries. Participants will learn about tailored financing options, investment grants, risk mitigation tools, and advisory services designed to facilitate the successful implementation of renewable energy projects.

This visit is an invaluable opportunity for Belgian businesses to understand how they can leverage EBRD's expertise and resources to advance their sustainable energy goals and contribute to a greener future.

Main segments that will be covered

In December 2023, the EBRD approved its new strategy for the energy sector for the period 2024-2028. This new strategy has been summarized by the EBRD as follows :

 “Ramping up the supply of clean electricity to electrify economies: scaling up renewables from megawatts to gigawatts, improving energy efficiency and enhancing grids, while accelerating a just transition from fossil fuels”

During the previous strategic period (2019-2023), the EBRD committed more than €3.5 billion of financing to over 100 renewable projects, adding around 12 GW of renewable energy capacity. This significant investment underscores the EBRD's role in advancing global renewable energy infrastructure. With the expected increase in energy consumption and the ongoing development of net-zero carbon strategies by various countries, the EBRD is set to expand its involvement in renewable energy provision, enhance energy efficiency, and optimize and modernize energy grid infrastructure.

This one-day working visit offers a unique opportunity to explore these initiatives, understand the financial products and services available to support Belgian companies in this domain, and engage with the EBRD's strategic vision for a sustainable energy future. Together with the subject matter experts of the EBRD, we will delve into the opportunities available for Belgian companies. Key areas of focus will include
   - corporate procurement by the EBRD, such as technical assistance services
   - project procurement and project management
   - project financing and trade facilitation.

To guarantee an in-depth and interactive approach, and considering the capacity of the EBRD, this working visit will be limited to around 20 Belgian companies.

Within the Belgian delegation, AWEX has reserved space for 7 Wallonia-based companies. This exclusive format ensures personalized attention and meaningful engagement with EBRD experts, maximizing the value of insights and networking opportunities for each participant.

If you are interested in being part of this thematic working visit to the EBRD, please express your interest before Jully 7 to secure your place in the delegation.

Please note that EBRD reserves the right to make a selection of participating companies based on the expertise and experiences they bring to the domain of renewable energy. In the event that we receive more than 7 registrations, a waiting list will be drawn up.

Programme

Thursday, October 10, 2024

8:52 am            Departure Eurostar Brussels Midi/Zuid to London St Pancras Int’l
10:15 – 11 am   Transfer from London St Pancras Int’l to EBRD HQ
11 – 11:30 am   Arrival & welcome @ EBRD HQ
11 am – 1 pm    Introduction to the EBRD, focus on EBRD procurement & project management and deep-dive into the energy sector strategy
1 – 2 pm           Networking lunch
2 – 4 pm           Individual matchmaking sessions
4 – 4 :15 pm     Official closing of the thematic working visit to the EBRD
4:15 – 5 pm      Transfer from EBRD HQ to London St Pancras Int’l
6:04 pm            Departure Eurostar London St Pancras Int’l to Brussels Midi/Zuid
9:05 pm            Arrival in Brussels Midi/Zuid

Practical & Logistical Aspects 

Free of charge

Date and time
Thursday, October 10, 2024 -- 11am – 4:15pm. 
Registration deadline : July 7, 2024

Location
EBRD HQ
Five Bank Street, London (E14 4BG), United Kingdom

Travel
Each participant is fully responsible for his/her own travel to and from London. We have designed the program so that it is possible to travel to and from London on the same day. To participate in the full program, you must take the 8:52 AM train in Brussels Midi/Zuid at the latest and the 6:05 PM train is the earliest possible return journey.

Language
The working language for this event will be English.

Contact 
Patrick Heinrichs
Email : p.heinrichs@awex.be
Tél : 0479 22 02 71