As the climate talks were beginning in Paris, a group of civil society organisations under SEE SEP programme launched a video game version of the South East Europe (SEE) 2050 Energy Model. The organisations argue that the countries in the region can have a cleaner, fairer and more efficient energy system, resilient to future climate shocks, SEE Change Net said on its website. The South East Europe Sustainable Energy Policy (SEE SEP) is a programme that has 18 partners from the civil society organizations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo*, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and the European Union.
The model is a result of work by a team of international experts working with regional civil society groups. It is presented in the form of an online video game that allows everyone to choose the energy future. By creating their own visions, everyone who plays with the model will be able to see that it is possible to make sensible choices.
“Informing the general public about decisions regarding the future of their energy systems is extremely important for the Energy Community. This energy video game is an excellent tool to explain a complex issue to the public in a simple and fun way”, says Janez Kopač, director of the Energy Community Secretariat.
The model offers a range of scenarios, from business as usual, using all the coal there is and not investing in renewable energy sources, to an EU-compatible scenario demonstrating that it is technically feasible to have a low-carbon and efficient energy system. This would be in line with the EU goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. As the more technical version of the model shows, it can be done cost effectively as well, the report adds.
“The facts tell us this road is possible. What is now required is vision, political will and commitment from our elected representatives. Any sensible government should want a fairer, cleaner, and more efficient energy system for their citizens”, says Garret Tankosić-Kelly, principal of SEE Change Net.
SEE Change Net was founded in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in 2012. As the think tank deals with sustainable development issues, the SEE stands for social, economic, and environmental.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
