FP7 Energy Research Objectives

The objective of energy research under FP7 is to aid the creation and establishment of the technologies necessary to adapt the current energy system into a more sustainable one, less dependent on imported fuels. Such a system would be based on a diverse mix of energy sources and carriers, with particular attention being paid to lower and non-CO2 emitting energy technologies, combined with enhanced energy efficiency and conservation, to address the pressing challenges of security of supply and climate change, while increasing the competitiveness of Europe's industries.

What will be funded?

Emphasis of Directorate-General Energy & Transport in FP7 will be on large-scale, integrated technical demonstration projects, on technologies at the end of the research/development stage and with a view to the market. In the Energy work programme Directorate-General Energy & Transport will give emphasis to the following activities:

• Renewable electricity generation - technologies to increase overall conversion efficiency, cost efficiency and reliability, driving down the cost of electricity production.
• Renewable fuel production - fuel production systems and conversion technologies.
  Renewables for heating and cooling - technologies for cheaper, more efficient active and passive heating and cooling from renewable energy sources.
• Clean Coal Technologies - substantially improve power plant efficiency, reliability and reducing costs through research, development and demonstration of cleaner coal and other solid fuel conversion technologies, producing also secondary energy carriers (including hydrogen) and liquid or gaseous fuels.
• Smart energy networks - increasing the efficiency, safety, reliability and quality of the European electricity and gas systems and networks in the context of a more integrated European energy market.
• Energy efficiency and savings - technologies to improve energy efficiency and to enable final and primary energy consumption savings, over their life-cycle, for buildings (including lighting), transport, services and industry.
• Hydrogen and fuel cells - supporting EU fuel cell and hydrogen industries, for stationary, portable and transport applications.
• Knowledge for energy policy making - tools, methods and models to assess the economic and social issues related to energy technologies and to provide quantifiable targets and scenarios for medium and long term horizons.