New European initiative for electronic information on renewable energy
A new initiative funded by the EU's Altener programme aims to improve the availability, accessibility and sustainability of databases and other electronic information services targeted at the renewable energy sector. The project, being run by WIP Munich, and ETSU, is designed to help the renewable energy sector to maintain and increase its growth in the marketplace. It is essential if the renewable energy sector is to maintain its momentum that up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive data are available to industry, researchers, technology customers and end-users. The project draws on the expertise of both commercial and non-commercial experts from across Europe with the aim of developing solutions to the sector's information needs. Work under this initiative will focus on three specific areas: funding issues, data formats, and marketing aspects. Under each topic, the main issues relating to information services will be identified, and barriers needing overcome will be examined and possible solutions put forward. In addition, a comprehensive listing of databases and information services currently available will be developed in order to promote access and avoid duplication of efforts. The project partners would welcome input from both the renewable energy sector and database/information services specialists on the project and the possibilities of renewable energy information services.