European Parliament agrees €6bn for clean energy research

€6bn (£4.86) will be allocated to renewables, energy efficiency, smart grids and storage after a vote by the European Parliament's Energy and Research Committee (ITRE) today.


This amounts to three-quarters of the next energy research budget including the Intelligent Energy Europe programme, an EU programme designed to help organisations improve energy sustainability.

It is part of an overall €80bn fund for R&D under Horizon 2020 – a financial program that is a key component of Innovation Union, a Europe 2020 flagship initiative meant to increase Europe’s global competitiveness.

European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) regulatory affairs advisor Vilma Radvilaite said:

“MEPs have understood how crucial wind energy and other renewables are to the EU’s economic growth, technology leadership, fighting climate change, and that sufficient R&D funding is essential to further their development in line with the EU’s climate and renewable energy priorities.”

“With 75% of its energy funding going to renewables, energy efficiency, smart grid and storage technologies and an additional 15% going to the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme, Horizon 2020 gives a real boost to green growth”, she added.

The ITRE Committee also boosted transparency and clarity for wind energy research by agreeing on dedicated and separate budget lines for wind energy and other technologies.

The Horizon 2020 R&D programme will run from 2014 to 2020 and will be based on today’s vote.

The ITRE will now enter into negotiations with the European Council.

Conor McGlone

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe