Financial support for pilot industrial projects and demonstration projects (EEC) relating to the liquefaction and gasification of solid fuels, 1983-1985

This programme constituted a follow-up to a subprogramme covering the same field under the first "Alternative Energies" scheme (ENALT 1C).

The pilot industrial and/or demonstration stage, which follows the research and development stage, is that which leads to the industrial and commercial exploitation of innovatory techniques, processes and products.

Because of technical differences, demonstration projects relating to the exploitation of alternative energy sources, to energy saving and to the substitution of hydrocarbons (ENALT 2C) were dealt with separately in Council Regulation (EEC) No 1972/83 (Official Journal No L 195 of 19.7.1983).
To promote the conversion of solid fuels into gaseous and liquid products in order to provide an alternative energy source and reduce the Community's dependence on imported hydrocarbons, permitting thereby the development of a liquefaction and gasification industry with potential markets outside the Community.
Three fields of application:

- Gasification;
- Underground gasification;
- Liquefaction (producing a series of liquid and chemical products).
The Commission was responsible for deciding whether to grant or refuse support for projects after consulting the Advisory Committee on the Management of Demonstration Projects made up of representatives from the Member States. Every project submitted in response to an invitation was examined.

Community support for a project or feasibility study did not exceed 49% of eligible costs. Half of this support was repayable under certain conditions.

The Commission made regular reports to the Council and the European Parliament on the application of the Regulation governing this programme.