breadcrumb.ecName
en English

FURGY boosts renewable energy and energy efficiency in Denmark and Germany

  • 03 November 2014

By bringing together SMEs and scientists from both sides of the German-Danish border, the FURGY project creates a network of knowledge, and supports innovation and technological development in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energies. Its success contributes to achieving the EU’s 20-20-20 climate and energy targets.

Due to the success of the ERDF funded project, FURGY today is a key player in Schleswig-Holstein by providing consistent knowledge transfer and generating transnational cooperation in renewable energies and energy efficiency.

Gorm Casper, Project Manager FURGY

Since the start of the project in 2009, renewable energy generation from sources such as biomass, wind, and solar energy has risen significantly in the region, which has been able to gain a profile as region of expertise in renewable energy. As a result of the success of the cross-border cluster created with the help of EU funding, the project partners on both sides of the border decided to continue their cooperation under the “FURGY” brand name – short for “Future renewable energy” – after the end of the project.

Work on the project is structured in three work packages:

Work package 1 consists of a scientific forecast of the development of the renewable energy sector. This is done by mapping existing skills and knowledge, industry suppliers and development partners, and by creating a “road map” towards an international technology region.Work package 2 is focused on “cluster management”. The goal is to facilitate knowledge transfer both across the German-Danish border and between research institutions and enterprises.Work package 3 aims at regional cooperation between administrations in Schleswig-Holstein and South Denmark, which should lead to a joint strategic positioning on matters concerning energy efficiency and renewable energy in national and international politics.

Renewable energy, a field with high growth potential

Energy efficiency and the support of renewable energy not only contribute to the aim of achieving a low-carbon economy, it is also a field of high economic importance. For instance, the bioenergy sector has already created around 122 000 jobs in Germany, of which around 5 270 are in the region of Schleswig-Holstein, while around 24 000 people are employed in the wind energy sector in Denmark.

The Project generated 4 new jobs during its implementation, and indirectly contributes to the creation of further jobs in the green energy sector.

Total investment and EU funding

Total investment for the project “FURGY – Future Renewable Energy” is EUR 1 406 637 with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) contributing EUR 914 309 through the “Syddanmark-Schleswig-K.E.R.N.” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.