The model development process has been completed successfully, with a completely new version of SAFIRELP produced, translated and distributed to the partners. This version has a completed updated design and user interface, it has been programmed in completely new software, it can be used with all versions of the Windows operating system, it now focuses on Local Sustainable Energy Planning, and it has much more user friendly and useful outputs. These conclusions have been proven through the application of three successful case studies with municipalities in Lithuania, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia.
Tradable Green Certificates (ASCerT)
The policy framework for RES-E across in Europe currently follows the subsidiarity principle. This may change post the Commissions reviews of support schemes in 2005, but the challenge is considerable given the range of national circumstances and the diversity of RES-E sources to be supported.
The following key conclusions are made in the five countries involved in ASCerT (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania):
- Harmonisation of national green certificate systems before integration is cheaper than retro-fitting schemes for integration.
- The prospects for international trade are limited at present, but could increase in the future as regional green certificate markets emerge or is bilateral reciprocity arrangements are made between countries.
- Limited public funds exist for supporting renewable,
- The indicative RES-E targets are challenging.