Extensive support for the advancement of a public energy research alliance across Europe
EERA supports development of energy technology via institutional cooperation and joint programmes (JPs). It coordinates national-level efforts, according to a shared EU 2020 vision, thus reducing duplication and increasing effectiveness. The EU-funded EERASE2 (EERA Secretariat 2) project administered the EERA Secretariat. The Secretariat fosters collaboration with external stakeholders and supports other EERA bodies, including the EERA ExCo and its 15 JPs. The JPs consist of the major part of Europe's energy research across a diverse range of energy technologies. Project partners reorganised and set up a new governance structure for the EERA by establishing it as a legal body and approving related statutes and rules. This enables the EERA network to better manage activities while ensuring a broader impact of its initiatives. The Secretariat supported the EERA governing bodies, members and JPs in preparing a strategy and implementation plan which defines a path for the strategic development of the EERA network until 2020. The input of members and the support of the Secretariat helped to launch two new JPs in the field of energy efficiency in industrial processes and in energy system integration. The newly established JPs addressed two additional key topics within the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) agenda. In addition, a JP reporting tool was developed to enhance their reporting capabilities. The EERASE2 team fostered and strengthened links and collaboration with stakeholders. The aim was to bring the EERA closer to industry, key SET-Plan actors, and the public and community research at large. It organised three EERA annual congresses and workshops with JPs to exchange good practices and discuss how to tackle common policy and research challenges, created and revamped the EERA website and produced newsletters. A platform for sharing intellectual property assets was established to support JP participants. EERASE2 boosted EERA's energy research profile, leading to improved effectiveness and efficiency of collaborative research, and reinforced research association with relevant stakeholders.
Keywords
European Energy Research Alliance, joint programmes, EERASE2, European Strategic Energy Technology Plan
