EEA report highlights role of research in expanding renewable energy in the EU
A new report on 'Renewable energies: success stories,' launched by the European environment agency (EEA) on 5 December, has highlighted the role of research and technological development in expanding renewable energy in the EU. The report identifies factors in the success or failure of renewable energy projects. It focuses on how much each EU country managed to expand its use of a number of renewable energy technologies between 1993 and 1999, including solar photovoltaic panels, solar thermal heating, wind and biomass such as wood and crops. The study identifies essential elements for success in seven areas: technological development, political, legislative, fiscal, financial and administrative support, and information, education and training. The EEA concludes that while the key to success lies in a combination of factors, research has a key role to play. The report specifies that the development of renewable energy technologies requires support at all stages, from research through to demonstration and implementation, to build a strong and competitive renewable energy industry. It says that public sector funding for renewable energy development provided by the European Commission and at Member State level has helped to achieve considerable cost reductions and improvements in technology. In addition, the report explains that 'Member States that have focused national research funding support towards specific technologies are now reaping the rewards of this investment.' It gives the example of Denmark, which now has the world's leading wind industry, and the strong biomass technologies industry in Finland and Sweden. EEA Executive Director Domingo Jiménez-Beltrán said the report 'helps point the way towards solutions' and creates a framework for the promotion of renewables and the sharing of best practice. The report was launched at the European Parliament in Brussels at a meeting of the European forum for renewable energy sources (EURO-FORES) and the European renewable energy council (EREC).