The European Strategic Energy Technology Plan discusses the technology development needed to meet the EU's 2020 targets and 2050 vision, and proposes a number of actions to increase international collaboration and guide the EU's energy technology work going forward. These include:
The establishment of a Steering Group for Energy Research and Innovation, composed of representatives of member states, and designed to foster increased coordination of technology policies and programmes in member states.
A European energy technology summit, to bring together stakeholders in the entire innovation system, from industry to customers, as well as representatives of European institutions, the financial community and international partners.
The launching of European Industrial Initiatives in several energy technology areas. The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative is an example of a new form of collaboration, with Community Research Framework Programme funding being used to co-finance a programme of research and demonstration with industry in a European public-private partnership.
Creating a virtual European Energy Research Alliance, whereby the European Commission intends to begin dialogue with heads of research institutes and higher education establishments with significant programmes, aiming to encourage enhanced collaboration in delivering coordinated research programmes.
The UK believes that collaboration in developing energy technology is an important part of the development of new energy technologies, and UK Government and industry currently engage with a wide range of EU programmes, including the Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, which provides funding for collaborative research. We are also closely involved in developing the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative.
A number of new initiatives may emerge from the ongoing development of the SET-plan, in particular with regard to the proposed European industrial Initiatives, and we intend to engage closely with the EU in developing these initiatives.