Following a broad technology portfolio approach, in accordance with the conclusions of the green paper “Towards a European strategy for the security of energy supply” , research will focus on the development of cost-effective technologies for a more sustainable energy economy for Europe (and world-wide) and allow European industry to compete successfully on the global stage. Activities will address all time horizons and embrace the whole chain from fundamental and applied research and technological development through to large-scale technology demonstration (“lighthouse projects”), underpinned by cross-cutting and socio-economic research to validate research results and to provide a rational basis for policy decisions and market framework development. Wherever possible, an integrated approach will be adopted, stimulating the necessary feedback and cooperation between the various stakeholders concerned. Integrated actions that cut across or exploit the synergies between different research areas will be encouraged.
Strengthening the competitiveness of the European energy sector, in the face of severe global competition, is an important objective of this Theme, providing the capability for European industry to attain or maintain world leadership in key energy technologies. In particular, SMEs are the lifeblood of the energy sector, play a vital role in the energy chain and will be key to promoting innovation. Their strong participation in research and demonstration activities is essential and will be actively promoted.
The strategic research agendas and deployment strategies developed by European Technology Platforms (ETP) are an important input for the research priorities in the Theme.
Such platforms are established on:
- Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
- Photovoltaic
- Biofuels
- Solar Thermal
- Zero Emission Fossil Fuel Power Plant
- SmartGrids
- Wind Energy
The ETP on hydrogen and fuels cells will form the basis for a Joint Technology Initiative.
International cooperation Activities:
- International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHE),
- Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF)
- Johannesburg Renewable Energy Coalition (JREC)
- EU Energy Initiative for poverty eradication and sustainable development (EUEI)