Central and Eastern European Countries Focus on Fostering and Boosting the Renewable Energy Markets, Says Frost & Sullivan

LONDON, April 22, 2010 - Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is taking on the pressing challenge of
boosting its renewable energy market with a revived focus. Until recently,
the region heavily relied on fossil fuels from Russia and largely ignored the
potential of renewable energy sources. However, today CEE is facing Russia's
threat of cutting off energy supplies and the looming burden of the 2020
European Union directive on boosting renewable energy to 20% by 2020. As CEE
countries take on the challenge of developing their indigenous energy
sources, companies are currently experiencing first-mover advantages that
could place them ahead of the curve.

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New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.energy.frost.com),
Renewable Energy Regulations in Central and Eastern Europe - Strategic
Analysis, comprises 19 country profiles including 11 EU countries, two
candidate countries and six non-EU countries. This research provides valuable
insight into the CEE renewable market conditions and potential.

"The EU Directive for 2020 is pushing renewable energy markets in Europe,
especially in the CEE region as it has not been traditionally focusing on the
sector except for large hydropower for electricity, and biomass energy for
heat," says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Gouri Kumar. "This is impelling
CEE countries to review their energy portfolios and develop a strategy to
achieve those targets in the most efficient way."

Kumar's insight highlights that the 2020 targets for the EU member
nations are the most significant driver for the CEE countries. The targets,
coupled with energy security issues, are boosting the renewable energy market
in CEE, making it attractive for investors and market participants.

Five EU countries - Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and
Romania - and one non-EU country, Turkey are forecasted to see high growth in
their renewable energy markets in the coming years. This growth is
attributable to their good incentive structure, the pressure of growing
demand, and relatively good investor-friendly environments and encouraging
governments. The medium growth countries include Latvia, Slovakia and
Slovenia. Although these countries have some good motivating factors, their
market growth is hindered by lack of political will, uncertain support, and
long cumbersome planning processes. In order for CEE to maximise growth of
its renewable energy markets, the region must cultivate political support and
efficient incentive mechanisms with dedicated focus.

On a positive note, "Although the challenges persist, the degree to which
they are affecting the market is gradually reducing as the governments of
several countries have begun to address these issues in their efforts to
create a more conducive environment for investment," explains Gouri. "It is
moving slower than expected but the efforts are translating into growth in
many sectors including the wind and solar energy markets."

Governments are pushing through important regulations that cater to the
development of the renewable energy market. Such improvements in the
regulatory framework coupled with the installation of new projects provide a
prosperous foundation for the renewable energy market to thrive on. As a
result, the CEE region is becoming lucrative for investors as markets in
Western Europe grow rapidly and mature. Step by step, the CEE region is
making an honest effort to secure its energy independence and sustainability
in the coming years.

If you are interested in more information and a complimentary brochure on
this study, please send an e-mail to Chiara Carella, Corporate
Communications, at chiara.carella@frost.com, with your full name, company
name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city,
state and country.

Renewable Energy Regulations in Central and Eastern Europe - Strategic
Analysis is part of the Energy & Power Growth Partnership Services programme,
which also includes research in the following markets: large hydropower,
biomass energy, and offshore wind energy. All research services included in
subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that
have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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Renewable Energy Regulations in Central and Eastern Europe - Strategic
Analysis

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    Contact:
    Chiara Carella
    Corporate Communications - Europe
    P: +44-(0)-20-7343-8314
    M: +44-(0)-753-3017689
    E: chiara.carella@frost.com

Chiara Carella, Corporate Communications - Europe of Frost & Sullivan, +44(0)20-7343-8314, Mobile, +44(0)753-3017689, chiara.carella at frost.com