Press Release 15 November 2007

MONTRÉAL PREPARES TO HOST
THE WORLD ENERGY CONGRESS IN 2010

Rome, November 15, 2007- At the closing ceremony in Rome of the World Energy Congress, the torch was passed to the next Congress Host. Canada will have the privilege of organizing this major event in Montréal from September 12-16, 2010, the 21st Congress. This is the second time Montreal has hosted the World Energy Congress, previously the 14th Congress in 1989.

The World Energy Council convenes a World Energy Congress every three years. This is the premier global energy forum and exhibition to forge a better understanding of energy issues and solutions on a global basis. It includes energy production and use in all its forms - oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable energy. It brings together global energy leaders from industry, governments, international organizations, academia, and associations.

"Canada is a key player on the world energy scene. The Organizing Committee of the 21st World Energy Congress is already at work, and is mobilizing all its partners to make this event a success," commented Richard Drouin, Chair of the MONTRÉAL 2010 Organizing Committee.

More than 3500 delegates are expected from around the world. Canada was awarded the 21st Congress at the Executive Assembly of the World Energy Council held in Kiev in 2003. The sustained efforts of the Energy Council of Canada and Hydro-Québec played a large part in the WEC decision to select Canada, Quebec, and Montreal to hold the 2010 triennial forum.

"In a context where the environment, sustainable development, and energy-related strategic issues have a high profile in all countries, the hosts of the 21st World Energy Congress- MONTRÉAL 2010 face the challenge of bringing together the world's leaders and experts in the energy sector, so that they can conduct open dialogue on energy issues under the best possible conditions. The countdown has started," noted Stéphane Bertrand, Executive Director of the 21st World Energy Congress-Montreal 2010.

Stéphane Bertrand also acknowledges the support of the Host Sponsor, Hydro-Quebec, and other major sponsors including Petro-Canada, Hatch, Gaz Métro, and KPMG.

Founded in 1923, the World Energy Council is a United Nations (UN)-accredited, nongovernmental organization with Member Committees in close to 100 countries, including most of the largest energy-producing and energy consuming countries. Its mission is to promote the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all people in a framework of peaceful, sustainable economic development. At the Rome Congress, the President of Électricité de France (EDF), Pierre Gadonneix, succeeded André Caillé as Chair of the World Energy Council.

Contact: Stéphane Bertrand, Executive Director, World Energy Congress - MONTRÉAL 2010
Tel: 1 514 237-4319

WEC Media contact:
Mathias Hocke: hocke@worldenergy.org
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7734 5996
Stephan Albrechtskirchinger: albrechtskirchinger@worldenergy.org
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7734 5996