Research and development programme (EEC) in the field of Non-Nuclear Energy, 1985-1988

Part of the first Framework Programme (1984-1987) under subactivity 5.3.: "Non-Nuclear Energies", this third shared-cost R&D programme in the field was related to the multiannual research programmes of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) on Solar Energy (1977-1979 and 1980-1983) and Non-Nuclear Energies (1984-1987). It was also connected with the energy demonstration programmes.

The activities of the shared-cost research programmes and the JRC direct actions have been integrated since 1984 in a single Research Action Programme (RAP) on Non-nuclear Energies.
To improve the management of energy resources, reduce energy dependence, investigate potential resources, improve existing technologies, develop new techniques, processes and products and carry out pilot projects with a view to demonstration and commercialization.
Two groups:

- Development of renewable sources of energy:
. Solar energy:
Solar energy applications in buildings, thermomechanical solar-power plants, photovoltaic power generation, solar radiation data, solar energy application in agriculture and related industry;
. Energy from biomass:
Development and recovery of biomass for energy purposes, biomass conversion technologies, utilization of biomass as a source of energy, photochemical and photobiological processes;
. Wind energy:
Assessment of resources in Europe, wind-generator experiments, the development of technologies and prototypes;
. Geothermal energy:
Exploration and assessment of resources, properties of geothermal reservoirs, production and management of reservoirs, utilization and conversion of resources, hot dry rocks, training and education;

- Rational use of energy:
. Energy conservation:
Buildings, industry, transport and energy storage;
. Utilization of solid fuels:
Heat and power production, transportation and handling of solid fuels, solid fuels science;
. Production and utilization of new energy vectors:
Production of synthetic fuels from coal, production of synthetic fuels from biomass, studies on systems and materials specific to these two production methods, generation of hydrogen for synthetic fuel production, fuel cells;
. Optimization of the production and use of hydrocarbons:
Improvement in the knowledge of hydrocarbon deposits, use of natural gas, use of petroleum heavy fractions, fuel/engine matching;
. Energy systems analysis and modelling:
Maintenance and utilization of existing models, development of new models, application of the models and consolidation of the associated infrastructure.
The Commission, assisted by the Management and Coordination Advisory Committee (CGC) on Non- nuclear energy, was responsible for implementing the programme through shared-cost contracts.

A review was carried out during the second year and the results of that review were communicated to the Council and European Parliament.