Content
Energy
This section includes a thematic approach to capitalisation in the field of energy.
Renewable energy
Alternative energy does not just mean windmills: Solar, tidal, hydro-electric, and wind power as well as geothermal energy and biogas are all part of the solution in replacing fossil fuels. By examining the wide range of opportunities already available in this sector, bringing renewable energies closer to people and focusing politicians and societies on decentralised energy production and supply, European regions have the chance to act on global challenges and, at the same time, take steps to ensure the stability of their long-term energy supplies. Reducing dependency on fossil fuels is targeted by many territorial cooperation projects working on renewable energy. In one example, the ESPAN project brings together local and regional competence, education and research and the private sector to explore the region’s potential for renewable resources and development of concrete actions for renewable energy production, energy storing and saving. ESPAN Project, INTERREG IVA Programme Austria/Hungary.
Saving energy is saving money
Business as usual is not an option for the energy sector. Reducing energy consumption and eliminating energy waste are primary European goals. Households, businesses, industries and economic sectors alike share the responsibility for changing their habits – the problem is in everyone’s backyard! It is in everyone’s interest to work together to increase awareness and tap into the vast pool of energy saving options available. Innovative solutions often pave the way to energy saving. The BLISS project (Better Lighting in Sustainable Streets), as an example, is set to achieve substantial reductions in street lighting energy consumption. Building on previous experience in this field, pilots are experimenting with advanced sustainable technologies which are available – for instance, solar-powered LED lights activated by pedestrian movement and road lighting that reduces power when no cars are present. Energy savings could reach 80% according to some predictions. Bliss Project, INTERREG IVB North-West Europe.
It all starts with a dream!
The first bike, the first car, the first plane – they were all the product of an individual's vision of tomorrow! Technological development has made these dreams possible. The transport sector has experienced unprecedented growth over the last century but this has involved energy intensive processes, resource consumption and high rates of green house gas emissions. Today, international efforts and cooperation are focused on off-setting these effects: What is our dream of tomorrow? There is a vast opportunity for producing transport fuel from renewable energy sources. The BioMara project focuses on the production of mari-fuels from marine biomass as an alternative to agri-fuel production (also known to you and I as energy from sea plants). This is a win-win situation: On one hand this provides access to a more economically and environmentally sustainable local renewable fuel source and on the other it supports traditional ways of life in more remote communities by providing locally produced, relatively cheap, low-impact fuel. BioMara Project, INTERREG IVA Ireland/Northern Ireland/Scotland.
”Engaging with cities and regions” – first joint meeting for Intelligent Energy Europe and Territorial Cooperation projects - presentations
PDF Document, 16.6 MB
Energy is at the heart of European debate. It is also a prominent topic for cooperation: Ambitious European targets cannot be achieved unless common efforts are put to serve the same course. On 18-19 May Intelligent Energy Europe programme(IEE), managed by the Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) of DG Energy, organized their first contractors’ meeting on the topic of “Engaging with cities and regions”. IEE projects dealing with this topic were presented as well as Energy Agencies from around Europe. A total of 120 participants attended the meeting. The event was unique as for the first time it involved European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) representatives from the transnational and interregional strands. Around 30 ETC representatives from both the programme and project levels joined two-day discussions with their IEE colleagues on topics of: engaging cities and regions in energy planning, energy baselines for Sustainable Energy Action Plans, implementation of Sustainable Energy Action Plans and training for politicians and technical staff. The event presented a valuable opportunity for exchange of knowledge and experience and featured contributions from both DG Energy and DG Regional Policy as well as from the Office of the Covenant of Mayors initiative.
