Energy
Energy is central to our lives. We rely on it for transport, for heating and cooling our homes, and running our factories, farms and offices. However, fossil fuel is a finite resource and is a major cause of global warming. So we can no longer take energy from fossil fuels for granted. Research and development of new energy technologies is vital for fighting against climate change, securing European energy supply and supporting the competitiveness of European companies.
European leaders have launched a series of actions to support the development of a new EU energy strategy. First they set the so-called '20-20-20 targets' (a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 20% below 1990 levels, 20% of energy consumption from renewable sources and 20% reduction in primary energy use compared with projected levels, to be achieved by improving energy efficiency). Then they agreed on binding legislation to implement the 20-20-20 targets (the so-called 'energy package'). And a strategic energy technology plan (SET plan) focuses on energy research and development, increasing research investment and to improve the performance of existing technologies and developing a new generation of low carbon technologies.
European Technology Platforms in the field of energy bring together private and public researches in a set of energy technologies and constitute relevant partners in the debate on energy research priorities at EU level.
Last updated on: 2011-02-17