Russian-German Forum at UrFU

16:49, December 11, 2014

UrFU develops Russian-German cooperation in the field of energy efficiency

"Today, in the time of the difficult external economic relations is very important to support developing partnerships with Germany. Our entrepreneurs, researchers and the best companies will cooperate, thereby preventing the construction of the Iron Curtain between our country and the Western world," - said the rector of Ural Federal University, Victor Koksharov, during the opening ceremony of the sixth Russian-German Forum on Energy Efficiency, which was held in the university on December 9.

The position of UrFU rector was supported by all participants of the forum. The President of the Russian-German Chamber of Commerce, Michael Harms, underlined the importance of the dialogue. Today 75% of businessmen say that the Russian market is very promising and it remains a strategic market for German entrepreneurs and, of course, many people want to stay and work in Russia for a long-term investment.

Michael Harms also added that more than 70% of German firms consider sanctions politically ineffective. Besides, there are plenty of opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. "Companies like Bougues, Viessmann and others presented their ideas for the development of energy efficiency, as well as UrFU Power Engineeringy Institute and the company IDGC," - said Michael Harms.

One of the highlights of the forum was the signing of a cooperation agreement between Ural Federal University and Technical University of Berlin (Technische Universität Berlin) with the assistance of energy agency Dena (Deutsche Energie-Agentur).

Cooperation of the leading federal university and the largest technical university of the German capital involves the creation and successful implementation of joint projects in the field of energy conservation and efficiency in European countries, as well as the organization of round tables and other events in order to discuss the transfer and integration of international experience.

More than 15 reports have been presented on December 9. After the forum the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, read a lecture for the students.