The intention of the seminar was to gather representatives from Spanish and Norwegian public authorities, research institutions and private sector enterprises to stimulate bilateral cooperation projects through the EEA and Norway Grants.
The context of the event was the Icelandic, Liechtenstein and Norwegian contribution to Spain through the EEA and Norway Grants. An environment technology and renewable energy programme, which receives more than €18 million from the EEA Grants, was high on the agenda.
When addressing the participants, State Secretary Torgeir Larsen from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised the great potential for bilateral cooperation between Norway and Spain, two countries with well-developed environment and energy technology. Mr Larsen expects the EEA Grants to contribute to stronger cooperation between the two countries, and that Spain and Norway have to work together to achieve an environmentally friendly energy supply and greater energy safety.
The 200 participants, representing Norwegian and Spanish businesses, took part in roundtable discussions on wind energy, smart grids and energy storage. Business-to-business meetings were also facilitated.
The seminar was initiated by the Norwegian Embassy in Madrid. It was organised by those responsible for the renewable programme in Spain and the research organisation Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology together with Innovation Norway, their cooperation partner.
