“The creation of the necessary energy infrastructure is an essential prerequisite for the interconnectivity, diversification and competitiveness of external gas supply sources”, Minister of State for Energy Affairs András Aradszki said as leader of the Hungarian delegation at the 28th Energy Charter Conference in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on 29 November 2017.

At the two-day ministerial level meeting, participants exchanged views on boosting projects to facilitate sustainable energy consumption and the diversification of transport routes.

In his speech, Mr. Aradszki highlighted how national governments can help assure that energy projects meet both national targets and market expectations as the most important issue. According to the Minister of State, a coherent national policy framework is primarily needed with regard to the protection of economic, environmental and consumer interests. He added that according to Hungary’s standpoint, increasing the share of clean energy sources, including nuclear and renewable energy, is an efficient way to achieve economic, social and political goals as well as the European Union’s and international climate protection objectives.

The Minister of State drew attention to the fact that predictability with relation to incentive programmes and available financing products offered by banks is also an essential condition. In addition, it is important that the opportunity for prompt and effective dispute settlement should be ensured for parties focusing on the various dimensions of energy cooperation.

Energy supply challenges go beyond the borders of countries and the European Union, Mr. Aradszki pointed out. The gradual introduction of new digital technologies and the implementation of energy transition have brought further challenges for the energy sector which is undergoing in a global transition, he explained. Accordingly, the increasing globalisation of countries, which also affects the energy sector, and their interdependent energy situation is adding increasing weight to the role of international cooperation.

The Minister of State said that in his assessment, through strengthening investor confidence and stimulating the exchange of good practices, the Energy Charter Treaty is definitely facilitating the implementation of projects that guarantee the long-term modernisation of the sector and the diversification of energy sources and their transport routes.

(Ministry of National Development, Communications Department)