Programme (EEC) of financial support for projects to exploit alternative energy sources, 1979-1984

As one of the instruments of the Community's energy policy, this programme complemented the R&D programme on non-nuclear energy. Alternative energy was defined as any potential source of energy apart from nuclear energy and fossil fuels exploited by conventional means.
To develop renewable, commercially exploitable, alternative energy sources, promote the conservation of energy and encourage the more rational use of conventional energy sources, such as solid fuels and electricity, with a view to reducing the Community's dependence on imported energy and to developing potential external markets.
Four areas:
- Exploitation of geothermal fields;
- Liquefaction and gasification of solid fuels;
- Exploitation of solar energy;
- Exploitation of wave, tidal and wind energy.
The Commission was responsible for implementing the programme in accordance with Council Regulations (EEC) No 726/79 (budgetary allocations), No 727/79 (solar energy), No 728/79 (solid fuel liquefaction and gasification) and No 729/79 (geothermal energy), adopted on 9 April 1979 and published in the Official Journal (No L 93 of 12.4.1979).

The Commission reported periodically to the European Parliament and to the Council on the application of these Regulations.