BAD VILBEL, GERMANY - It is certainly not appropriate to hold man-made climate change responsible for the natural disaster in Asia. Yet, global warming should be a basic consideration when the devastated energy infrastructure is going to be reconstructed.

The tsunami cruelly played havoc with the coastal regions of Sumatra, Thailand, Sri Lanka or India. European countries have reacted very fast in vowing support for the reconstruction of the tourist sector.

Energy supply in the region has also been severely hit. "Two key criteria should underlie all planning of new power plants and installations: renewable energy sources and efficient use of energy", says Sebastian Gallehr, Chief Executive Director of the European Business Council for Sustainable Energy (e5). "This is a unique chance to get away with errors of the past. Let us help build an energy infrastructure that is clean and saves resources, for future generations and tourists alike".

e5 appeals to EU governments and business to properly assess the sustainable energy option when directing support to South Asia. The afflicted region comprises developing countries in the main. "Especially for the poor, sustainable energy supply bears a potential that is too promising to neglect", Gallehr points out. "Decentrally organised and low in emissions, energy-efficient technology and renewable energy sources cover the demand for electricity as well as cooling and heating. As for freshwater, take solar-powered desalination plants as an example".

About the European Business Council for Sustainable Energy (e5)

The European Business Council for Sustainable Energy (e5),www.e5.org, is a non-profit trade association and NGO representing the climate protection-related business interests of approximately 120 companies and organisations from across Europe and America. e5's conviction is that proactive sustainable energy and climate protection policies offer the European economy immense advantages and possibilities. At e5, "Climate is business".

European Business Council for Sustainable Energy

European Business Council for Sustainable Energy

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