JOULE-THERMIE specific programme on non-nuclear energy

The specific programme in the field of non-nuclear energy, under the Fourth Framework Programme, was adopted by the European Research Council on 29 September 1994. The programme includes research and development activities (JOULE) and demonstration activities (THERMIE). The g...

The specific programme in the field of non-nuclear energy, under the Fourth Framework Programme, was adopted by the European Research Council on 29 September 1994.

The programme includes research and development activities (JOULE) and demonstration activities (THERMIE). The global budget for the period 1995-1998 has been set at ECU 967 million of which 55% (about ECU 532 million) is allocated to THERMIE and 45% (about ECU 435 million) to JOULE.

The first call for proposals for this programme will be published in the Official Journal on 15 December 1994.

With reference to the demonstration component of this programme (THERMIE), managed by the Directorate-General for Energy (DG XVII), two different types of activity are included.

The first type of activity corresponds to the financial support of projects designed to advance or implement innovatory techniques, processes or products for which the R&D phase has, for the most part, been completed. These projects must demonstrate the technical viability and economic advantages of the chosen technologies by applying them on a sufficiently large scale for the first time. Assistance will be considered for projects in the fields of the rational use of energy (in building, industry, energy industry and fuel cells, and transport), renewable energies (solar photovoltaics, renewable energies in buildings, wind, biomass and waste, small-scale hydroelectricity, and geothermal energy) and fossil fuels (solid fuels and hydrocarbons).

To qualify, the proposals must come from a consortium of at least two non-affiliated (industrial) firms from different Member States (or alternatively, one Member State and one Associated State). Selected projects may receive funding of up to 40% of eligible costs. Approximately ECU 108 million is expected to be allocated for projects selected from the 1995 call for proposals. The deadline for proposals for projects under this first call is 24 March 1995.

The second type of activity corresponds to the financial support of other initiatives:

- Development and implementation of an energy demonstration strategy;
- Dissemination of energy technologies;
- Preparatory, accompanying and support measures;
- Technology stimulation to encourage and facilitate the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Proposals must come from a consortium of at least two organizations from two different Member States. Financial support of between 50% and 100% will be available. Although the activities from the second category are subject to a call which will be continuously open from the date of this call until 17 December 1997, a first decision on the basis of proposals received will be made as soon as is feasible and at the latest by mid-1995.