Objectives

The conference aimed to present the important role that renewable energy research plays in Europe, and to enhance awareness among stakeholders of the opportunities ahead. Key European success stories were analysed, and the existing and planned European renewable energy technology platforms on PV, biofuels and wind were presented.

A particular emphasis was placed on learning from national research programmes and examining possibilities to stimulate coordination.

The potential of the different renewable energies was put in the wider context of the renewable energy portfolio and market conditions.

Programme outline

21 November 2005

9.30 – 10.30
Welcome and Introduction
Chairperson: B. Thomsen – ITRE Committee vice-chair, European Parliament

• Opening address, J. Potočnik – Commissioner for Research and Science  [190 Kb]
• Keynote address, M. Wicks – UK Minister for Energy (EU Presidency)  [606 Kb]

11.00 – 12.30
Success stories – Industrial perspectives
Chairpersons: A. Zervos – EREC, M. Catinat – EC, DG Enterprise

• Wind – a European success story: A. Cronin, VESTAS  [5,5 Mb]
• Bio-energy – closing the CO2 loop: M. Rautanen,
  Kvaerner Power Oy  [3,3 Mb]
• PV – competing with Japan, USA and SEA: W. Hoffman, RWE  [2,5 Mb]
• Solar Thermal industry, success stories and perspectives: R. Osuna, SOLUCAR  [9,7 Mb]

Sum-up by M. Catinat - EC, DG Enterprise  [114 Kb]

14.00 – 15.45
Renewable energy in Europe. Research coordination and policy
Chairpersons: D. Mayer – EUREC, P. Fernández Ruiz – EC, DG RTD

• Germany country programme and policy: R. Hinrichs, BMU  [1,2 Mb]
• Sweden – shaping a national R&D strategy in an international context: B. Telenius, STEM  [515 Kb]
• ERA-NET bioenergy – pulling research together: K. Kwant, SenterNovem  [941 Kb]
• PV NAS-NET – a show case of New Member States cooperation: S. M. Pietruszko, Warsaw University of Technology  [3,4 Mb]

Sum-up by P. Fernández Ruiz - EC, DG RTD  [114 Kb]

16.15 – 18.00
Renewable energy in Europe. Socio-economic challenges
Chairpersons: M. Askew – CSL, J. Delbeke – EC, DG Environment

• Creating market conditions for renewables: A. Lorenzoni,
  Bocconi University  [448 Kb]
• Potential of renewable energy technologies: M. Ragwitz, FhG  [1,8 Mb]
• CO2 emission reduction from high renewable penetration: M. Uyterlinde, ECN  [1,3 Mb] 
• Renewables in a EU electricity liberalised market: G. Strbac, UMIST  [605 Kb]

22 November 2005

09.30 – 12.00
Renewable energy research in the international context
Chairpersons: V. Schwarz – ADEME, L. Werring – EC, DG TREN

• Japanese support to renewable energy: Y. Nakata, NEDO  [2 Mb]
• Challenges and strategy for renewable energy research in the US: S.R. Bull, NREL  [2,8 Mb]
• A world energy perspective: R. Vigotti,
  Renewable Energy Working Party - IEA  [3,4 Mb]
• The role of renewable energy technologies in developing countries: A. Sayigh, WREC  [9,5 Mb]
• Global climate change – challenges ahead for renewable energy research: C. Clini,
  Italian Ministry for the Environment and Territory  [1 Mb]

13.30 – 14.40
European technology platforms – Future EU research
Chairperson: M. Altmann – L-B-Systemtechnik, H. Ossenbrink – EC, DG JRC

• Photovoltaic vision for Europe: E. Perezagua, ISOFOTON  [5,4 Mb]
• Pathways to biofuels: A. Röj, Volvo Technology Corporation  [2,1 Mb]
• Integration of renewable electricity sources into the European grid : C. Sasse, Areva  [1,8 Mb]
• Renewable energy research in FP7 : W. Raldow, EC, DG Research  [1,4 Mb]

14.40 – 15.00
Closing address: A. Mitsos – EC, DG Research  [86 Kb]

Exhibition

A series of stands presented the European renewable energy industry associations as well as comprehensive information on EU renewable energy research activities and associated initiatives.

>> List of stands with contact details  [679 Kb]

A poster session displayed complementary information on activities currently under way in centres of research the new Member States and Candidate Countries.

>> List of posters with contact details  [465 Kb]