Boosting energy research at regional level
Albeit desirable, the sustainable energy concept is still in its infancy. Implementation of emerging technologies in the energy sector requires the involvement of key players such as municipalities and governmental authorities. With EU funding, the RESGEN (RES generation-From infrastructure to sustainable energy and reduction of CO2 emissions) project promoted regional energy self-sufficiency by coordinating the innovative work of regional research clusters across the EU. The main goal was to evaluate and compare regional capacity and capabilities of generating sustainable energy to draw up four different roadmaps and a joint action plan (JAP). The approach followed by the RESGEN consortium to boost sustainable energy entailed the development of comprehensive regional strategies. These integrated all of the main regional stakeholders, industries, regional authorities, and research and development bodies into regional development programmes. RESGEN contributed to new thinking in the regions involved. The benchmarking leading to the roadmaps provided a useful tool for the regions and helped to initiate dialogue within different European organisations. Based on the work carried out in the project, Ostrobothnia was able to contribute to the European debate and lead active discussions within a smart specialisation platform. This platform was established by the European Commission to provide professional advice to regions on their innovation strategies. A number of JAPs helped strengthen cooperation amongst the partners and enabled them to identify different topics for future collaboration. The JAP themes covered smart grids, regional sustainable energy management, wind energy, energy efficiency, green public procurement and marine energy. Achieving energy self-sufficiency will be a long-lasting process that should positively impact society. By preparing regions for sustainable energy management, RESGEN contributed to EU goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Keywords
Energy research, sustainable energy, self-sufficiency, regional development, innovation strategies
