Energy consumption in most developing countries is likely to increase dramatically due to rising industrialisation, economic and social development, and the supply of additional and better energy services for an increasing population. To ensure this development takes place with minimum damage to the environment, but without limiting development opportunities, it is essential that environmental considerations are integrated into energy planning and policy development.

The UNEP Risoe Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development (URC) focuses on integrating such issues into national planning and policy worldwide, as well as supporting international activities related to global and regional environmental agreements, such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Formerly the UNEP Collaborating Centre on Energy and Environment (UCCEE), URC was conceived by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1989 as a research and technical support unit, based at a well established scientific research centre, which could operate independently supporting UNEP in energy-environment matters. Funding for the Centre was secured from the Danish Government and its scientific research centre – Risoe National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy - Technical University of Denmark (Risoe DTU) – provided the ideal host organisation.

The UNEP Risoe Centre was established in 1990 and is financed jointly by UNEP, the Danish International Development Assistance (Danida) and Risoe National Laboratory. It is staffed by an international group of scientists, engineers and economists.

URC supports UNEP in its aim to incorporate environmental aspects into energy planning and policy world-wide, with special emphasis on developing countries. The Centre supports research by local institutions, coordinates projects, disseminates information, and conducts a full in-house research programme in close collaboration with other institutions in Denmark and internationally.

URC pursues its objectives in different but complementary ways through:

URC is located at Risoe DTU within the Systems Analysis Department. Risoe DTU is situated close to the town of Roskilde, 40 km from Copenhagen. Travel information for visitors.

UNEP Risoe Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development (URC)
Risoe National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Bldg. 142
Technical University of Denmark
Frederiksborgvej 399
P.O. Box 49
DK 4000 Roskilde
Denmark

tel: +45 46 32 22 88
fax:+ 45 46 32 19 99