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Content archived on 2023-03-27

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Programme (EEC) of demonstration projects relating to the exploitation of alternative energy sources and to energy saving and the substitution of hydrocarbons, 1983-1985

 
Part of the first Framework Programme (1984-1987) under subactivity 5.3.: "Non-nuclear energies", this second programme in the field complemented the Community's R&D programme on non-nuclear energy.

The demonstration stage of a project, as exemplified by this programme, serves as a link between the earlier R&D stage and the later investment stage.

Because of technical differences, demonstration projects relating to the liquefaction and gasification of solid fuels (LIGASF C) were dealt with separately in Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1971/83 (Official Journal No L 195 of 19.7.1983).

The Regulation governing this programme replaced Regulations (EEC) Nos 1302/78, 1303/78, 725/79, 726/79, 727/79, 728/79 and 729/79.
To provide financial support for risk-bearing innovatory demonstration projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and conservation, replacing hydrocarbons with other non-renewable sources of energy and developing alternative renewable energy sources with a view to commercial exploitation, the development of export markets and a reduction in energy imports.
Three fields of application:

- Exploitation of alternative energy sources:
. Geothermal energy:
Exploiting energy extracted in the form of heat from underground strata as a result of drilling;
. Solar energy:
Making solar energy available for thermal use through active or passive processes or technology or through photovoltaic processes;
. Biomass:
Using any form of plant or animal waste apart from industrial and urban waste;
. Wind and ocean energy:
Using wind as an energy source for the centralized generation of electricity to supply grids and for the decentralized direct supply of energy to users, and using mechanical wave and tidal energy and thermal ocean energy to generate electrical power;
. Hydro-electric power:
Exploiting low-power and generally low-head hydro- electric resources in order to generate electricity;

- Energy savings:
. Demonstration of energy saving in buildings, industry, agriculture, the energy industry and transport;

- Substitution of hydrocarbons:
. Using non-renewable energy sources instead of liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons on the basis of demonstration projects involving solid fuels, electric power and heat transmission, distribution and storage.
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.