Energy technology for the citizen, society and the environment
A two day conference organised by the European Commission in order to evaluate the potential of clean coal technology for meeting emission reductions outlined in the Kyoto Protocol was held in Brussels, Belgium, from 30 September to 1 October 1998. The main topics discussed during the conference included: globalisation, liberalisation and innovation in the power sector, the role of a technical association for power technology in a liberalised market, and energy technology responses to the Kyoto agreement. The European Commissioner for energy, Mr Christos Papoutsis, opened the conference, giving an overview of the present state of European research and development in energy technologies, and outlining the market potential for new technologies. He stated that with the successful implementation of promotion measures for renewable energy, a doubling of their use from the present 6% to 12% could be achieved by 2010. The conference also served to launch new measures, including the CARNOT programme for the promotion of clean and efficient technologies in the EU and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Of particular interest was the announcement of the "Advanced ultra supercritical steam project" which will be financed under the THERMIE programme for the promotion of energy technology in Europe. This technology cooperation project will bring together 40 European companies from 10 EU Member States, and it is estimated that if the technology were now available and fully operational in all the power plants in Europe, there would be an immediate reduction of over 40% of all gas emissions from the electricity generation sector, including carbon dioxide. This would represent emission reductions at twice the level committed in the Kyoto Protocol. On the Kyoto Protocol the Commissioner summarised the challenge ahead: "I believe that the Kyoto engagement for CO2 emissions reduction of 8% by 2010, poses a challenge to the EU that has to be faced with concerted efforts and coordinated strategies. I consider your presence today as a strong signal from industry to demonstrate its willingness to share this challenge with us".