Euro-Mediterranean efforts foster innovation in the energy sector
The transition to a reliable, sustainable and competitive energy system requires the EU to overcome challenges like increasingly scarce resources, growing energy needs and climate change. This especially holds true for Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs). The EU-funded MARE (Mediterranean activities for research and innovation in the energy sector) project aimed to bridge the gap between research and innovation in the EU and Mediterranean regions. It focused on three key technological pillars: renewable energy microgrids, renewable energy desalination and energy efficiency in buildings. MARE created and mobilised a network of actors in the Euro-Mediterranean (EUROMED) area to facilitate mutual learning and exchange of experience. The 119 members to date helped produce a sustainability plan for its long-term viability. Project partners promoted the market uptake of research results in order to foster public-private partnerships and boost the transnational market for clean energy technologies. They analysed both market and technology opportunities in the EUROMED area, identified 51 promising technologies, and delivered exploitation plans for 9 technologies with high potential for commercialisation. The EUROMED team produced two reports identifying innovation strengths and appropriate technology transfer models and action plans that enable regional technologies to reach local or global markets. Eight matchmaking events throughout the Mediterranean and 76 targeted company missions helped to boost regional market uptake of research results. To strengthen cooperation, eight twinning projects were implemented between nine EU and MPC organisations in the area. Researchers analysed market pull, technology push, policy frameworks, as well as the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the pillars in the EUROMED area. They also delivered a report on the region's research-to-innovation system. Seven training seminars were held to improve the competencies of local actors and organisations. Five study visits promoted the exchange of best practices identified in Member States and MPCs. By strengthening partnerships in the EUROMED area, MARE will help to bolster European research and innovation capacity, enhance global competitiveness and penetrate new markets.
Keywords
Euro-Mediterranean, energy sector, Mediterranean Partner Countries, research and innovation, MARE
