An overview of projects supported under the THERMIE programme (1990-1994)
The European Community's programme for the promotion of energy technology in Europe (1990-1994), otherwise known as the THERMIE programme, disposed of a budget of approximately ECU 700 million for the demonstration and promotion of new, clean and efficient technologies in the fields of rational use of energy, renewable energies, solid fuels and hydrocarbons. Over the five years of the programme, THERMIE supported a wide range of projects involving both technological innovation and new uses of already proven technologies. In total, funding of ECU 547 million was made available to 726 projects. These were divided among the different areas of the programme as follows: - Rational use of energy: Increasing concern about the environment focused attention on the efficient use of energy. In all, 259 projects promoting the rational use of energy in buildings, industry, the energy industry and transport were supported. These projects received funding of ECU 172 million between 1990 and 1994; - Renewable energy sources: While almost all industrialized countries depend on fossil and nuclear fuels, there are food economic and environmental reasons for developing renewable energy sources. Between 1990 and 1994, THERMIE provided ECU 159 million to 272 renewable energy projects covering: solar energy (thermal and photovoltaic applications); energy from biomass and waste; geothermal energy; hydroelectric energy; and wind energy; - Solid fuels: Solid fuels such as coal, lignite and peat meet nearly 40% of the European Union's power generation requirements. Through THERMIE, ECU 121 million was allocated to 28 projects concerned with the clean and cost-effective exploitation of solid fuels; - Hydrocarbons: Much of the EU's demand for hydrocarbons is met through imports. In addition to providing around 46% of the EU's primary energy production, oil and gas are used extensively as fuels by business and domestic consumers, as well as being important raw materials. The key objectives of the THERMIE programme in this sector have been to ensure the optimum use of the known - but finite - reserves, to secure supplies at competitive prices and to improve the transportation and storage of hydrocarbons. THERMIE provided ECU 122 million to 167 hydrocarbons projects.