CELEX: 51991PC0050
Language: en
Date: 1991-03-05
Title: AMENDMENT TO THE PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION ADOPTING A SPECIFIC RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE FIELD OF NON NUCLEAR ENERGIES ( 1991-1994 )

21.3.91                               Official Journal of the European Communities                              No C 76/9
                Amendment to the proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific research and techno-
                    logical development programme in the field of non-nuclear energies (1991 to 1994) (')
                                                         (91/C 76/06)
                                                 COM(91) 50 final — SYN 269
                (Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 149(3) of the EEC Treaty on 8 March 1991)
                            Recital 3 a                                                    Article 1
                              (new)                               A specific research and technological development
                                                                  programme for the European Economic Community in
  Whereas fundamental research must be specifically               the field of non-nuclear energies, as defined in Annex I,
  encouraged Community-wide in each of the strategic              is hereby adopted for the period from the date of publi-
  research sectors of the framework programme;                    cation of this decision in the Official Journal of the
                                                                  European Communities to 31 December 1994.
                           Recital 3b
                              (new)
 Whereas, in addition to the specific programme on                                       Article 5 (3)
 human capital and mobility, training of researchers in           3. The reports shall be drawn up having regard to the
 each of the strategic research sectors of the framework          objectives set out in Annex I to this decision, in
 programme must be ensured;                                       accordance with Article 2 (4) of Decision 90/221/
                                                                  Euratom, EEC and shall assess the coherence of the
                                                                  programme's measurable implementation with the six
                          Sixth recital                           major concerns set out in Annex II to Council Decision
                                                                  90/221/Euratom, EEC.
 Whereas this programme must be implemented essen-
 tially by the selection of research and development
 projects to enable them to benefit from Community
 participation; whereas the Commission should encourage
 the submission of such projects by the usual means of                                     Article 6
 publishing calls for proposals in the Official Journal of the
 European Communities; whereas an exceptional                     1. The Commission shall be responsible for the
 procedure should also be devised to come into effect             execution of the programme. It shall be assisted by an
 between calls for proposals so as to maintain a degree of        advisory committee, hereinafter referred to as 'the
 flexibility enabling the Commission, in the face of the          Committee', composed of representatives of the Member
 continuous evolution and gradual acceleration of techno-         States, and chaired by a representative of the
 logical progress, also to take into consideration spon-          Commission.
taneous proposals consistent with the objectives of the
programme;
                                                                  2. The contracts concluded by the Commission shall
                          Recital 10a                             govern the rights and obligation of each party, including
                                                                 the procedures for disseminating, protecting and
                             (new)
                                                                 exploiting the research results, in accordance with the
Whereas the R & D activities under this programme are            arrangements adopted pursuant to the second paragraph
upstream of the projects backed by the programme for             of Article 130k of the Treaty and, where appropriate,
the promotion of energy technology in Europe                     procedures for training and evaluation.
(Thermie); whereas such projects are eligible for
financial support only where the R & D stage has for the
main part been completed; whereas implementation of
these two programmes therefore needs to be closely
coordinated;                                                     3. A work programme shall be drawn up at the start
                                                                 of the programme and shall be regularly revised. It shall
                                                                 set out the detailed objectives and types of projects to be
                                                                 undertaken and the financial arrangements to be made
                                                                 for them. The Commission shall make calls for proposals
(') OJ No C 174, 16. 7. 1990, p. 77.                             for projects on the basis of the work programme.
 ---pagebreak--- No C 76/10                           Official Journal of the European Communities                               21. 3. 91
                      Article 6 (3a)                           — accompanying measures and arrangements for the
                                                                   dissemination, protection and exploitation of the
                           (new)                                   results of the research, for encouraging fundamental
3a. An annual progress report outlining programme                  research, training of researchers and technological
developments and achievements will be prepared by the              assessment carried out under the programme,
Commission for transmission to the Council and the
European Parliament.                                           — concerted actions referred to in point 2 of Annex III.
                                                                                        Article 10
                         Article 8
                                                                Where cooperation with third countries and international
The procedure laid down in Article 7 shall apply to:            organizations aiming at achieving the objectives of this
                                                                programme requires legal undertakings between the
— the preparation and updating of the work programme            Community and the third parties concerned, the
   referred to in Article 6 (3),                                Commission shall be . authorized to negotiate, in
                                                                accordance with Article 130n of the treaty, international
— the contents of calls for proposals, referred to in           agreements laying down the terms for such cooperation.
   Annex III,
                                                                Priority will also be given to cooperation with EFTA
— evaluation of the projects referred to in point 2 of          countries groupings and other European countries not
   Annex III, as well as the estimated amount of the            members of the European Community and in accordance
   Community's financial contribution when these                with the guidelines agreed between the Council and the
   projects are submitted through the ordinary                  European Parliament during the conciliation procedure
   procedure referred to in point 4 of Annex III and the        which had preceded the adoption of the third
   abovementioned amount is more than ECU 5 million,            Framework Programme.
— the participation in any project by non-Community             The negotiations for such international agreements may
   organizations and enterprises referred to in Article         only be initiated with third countries which are already
    10,                                                         signatories of a Cooperation Agreement with the
                                                                Community which explicitly cites research and techno-
— any adaptation of the indicative breakdown of funds           logical development or scientific progress as one of the
   set out in Annex II,                                         objectives of cooperation.
— the measures to be undertaken to evaluate the                 Decisions on the conclusion of such international
   programme and those projects submitted through the           agreements shall be adopted in accordance with the
   exceptional procedure,                                       procedure referred to in Article 130q (2) of the Treaty.
 ---pagebreak--- 21. 3. 91                             Official Journal of the European Communities                                       No C 76/11
                                                             ANNEX I
                            SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES AND CONTENT
                                                   Introduction, third paragraph
          Research into modelling is a horizontal research area which will be carried out to improve control over the
          processes involved and to enable technological strategies to be assessed.
                                                     Area 1, second paragraph
          Models will be used to assess the strategic role of energy efficiency at demand and supply level and
          renewables towards a reduction of the damaging effect of energy production and utilization on the envi-
          ronment, emphasis being put on greenhouse gas emissions, in particular CO2. Energy policy options taking
          into account different scenarios of CO2 constraints will be made available. A worldwide dimension will be
          included in the analyses carried out in this field, since third countries and, particularly, the countries of
          Eastern Europe will play an increasingly significant role in environmental problems and the greenhouse
          effect.
                                                       Area 2, first paragraph
          Developing and extending the actions already undertaken within the context of the Joule programme, this
          research aims at optimizing energy production from fossil sources and at reducing the adverse effects on
          the environment from the widespread use of fossil fuels. Two main lines of activities are planned, firstly in
          the fields of advanced technologies for energy production and secondly in removal and fixation of CO2,
          and the development of combustion models. Technico-economic evaluation of the several possible routes
          and an assessment of the effects on the environment and consequent measures to reduce them will be
          performed in parallel with development of geophysical methods and tools. On the basis of the outcome of
          these technico-economic evaluations, further experimental work will be performed on the more promising
          high efficiency power producing systems with C 0 2 capture and on CO2 disposal.
                                                     Area 2, second paragraph
          The objective is to increase the efficiency of energy production from fossil sources, by means of advanced
          technologies. The work, both theoretical and experimental, will establish the technical feasibility and the
          costs — cost per unit kWh produced, capital cost — of these advanced technologies. The work will
          contribute to the development of high-efficiency multicycle conversion systems including fluidized bed
          combustion systems for electricity production from fossil fuels with a potential efficiency of 50 % or more,
          as compared to the present 38 % level, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per kWh produced
          and to compensate for energy losses and expenses related to minimum emission measures. For this purpose
          the development of fossil fuel combustion with oxygen and CO2 recirculation will be studied because of its
          potential impact on efficiency and on the limitation of emissions.
                                                      Area 2, third paragraph
          The objective is to reduce emissions through the capture and stable disposal of pollutants. This work
          comprises two elements: first, technico-economic evaluations, modelling studies and related engineering
          studies for minimizing emissions in fossil fuelled power production systems and in methanol and hydrogen
          production from fossil fuels. This work could also be relevant to R & D on appropriate techniques which
          are used to reduce emissions from fossil fuelled power stations and from oil refineries. Second, the devel-
          opment of safe and stable geological disposal for CO2 in new reservoirs, as well as in spent or operating oil
          and gas fields. This will entail research on the interaction of C 0 2 with mineral materials in the geological
 ---pagebreak--- N o C 76/12                              Official Journal of the European Communities                                       21. 3. 91
             sites. C 0 2 storage in the ocean depth and the problems of siting large energy plants on the basis of the
             possibility of COj storage, recycling and processing will also be studied. In support of this part of the
             programme, advanced geophysical methods and tools will be developed for C 0 2 storage assessment,
             hydrocarbons prospection and reservoir engineering. Scrubbing, absorption or other methods to separate
             CO2 from flue gases with subsequent fixation of CO2 will also be studied.
                                                        Area 2, paragraph 3a
                                                                (new)
             Research and development actions in the field of hydrocarbons will be continued, focusing on technologies
             for the discovery, appraisal and exploitation of new fields and on the final use of fuels.
                                                       Area 3, first paragraph
             The aim is to accelerate technological readiness and to prepare for early market integration of all the most
             promising technical options. Within a global system approach, particular objectives are to increase the
             conversion efficiency of solar, wind, hydraulic, wave-power, tidal, biomass and geothermal systems,
             decrease their costs and improve their attractiveness to developers, industry and consumers.
                                                      Area 3, second paragraph
             The objective is to contribute to solar design concepts and photovoltaic integration for new and old
             dwellings and buildings. Research will aim at maximizing the use of solar radiation and ambient heat for
             heating and power in such buildings, offering improved living and/or working conditions to the occupants,
             and employing modular and cost-effective building elements, using either new materials or traditional
             materials.
                                                       Area 3, third paragraph
             Emphasis will be on the further development of solar components, heat storage devices and concepts, and
             the development and integration of photovoltaic cells and modules. Design concepts and pilot systems will
             be developed as part of a broad attempt to stimulate solar architecture in new and retrofitted buildings and
            the utilization of new technologies in architecture at large, the proposal for standardizations to be incor-
             porated into building and town planning regulations.
                                                      Area 3, fourth paragraph
            The objective is to develop renewable energies for future large-scale applications in electric utility systems,
            such as the development of grid-connected solar power plants, wind generators, wave power systems, tidal
            power schemes, small hydro power systems and cogeneration plants for heat and power based on biofuels
            and organic waste, including environmentally acceptable and safe storage and back-up systems, e.g. solar
            hydrogen.
                                                       Area 3, fifth paragraph
            Research will be carried out on the optimization in size and technology of large wind generators in the
            MW-range, in order to effect further cost reduction. This will include work on new materials and
            components, e.g. composite blades, design criteria and eventually a set of new pilot systems suitable for
            large-scale utilization on land and off-shore. A comparative assessment will be carried out of the costs,
           efficiency and environmental impact of the two different families of large wind generators (over 1 MW).
 ---pagebreak--- 21. 3. 91                            Official Journal of the European Communities                                        No C 76/13
                                                     Area 3, sixth paragraph
          Research aimed at optimizing grid-connected photovoltaic systems and the associated components will be
          carried out. Emphasis will be on further improvement of the efficiency and cost of solar cells. Work on
          solar thermal power, wave power and tidal schemes will be carried out in such a way as to allow the
          enormous potential of these energy sources to be harnessed as soon as possible. Analysis work will be
          devoted to the combined use of the various renewable power systems in future utility systems.
                                                      Area 3, paragraph 7a
                                                              (new)
           Biomass
          The objective is to promote the development of energy from biomass through perfecting techniques for its
          production, conversion and utilization and including the testing of stand-alone regional power stations.
           Coordination with actions carried out under the specific programme for research in the field of agriculture
          and agro-industry will be ensured through integrated projects combining the objectives of both
          programmes, and agreed by the respective advisory committees.
                                                    Area 3, eighth paragraph
          The main objective is the selection of a test site and the subsequent development of a single European
          prototype hot dry rock system; following site selection and subject to satisfactory evaluation of results, the
          major task will be the creation and management of an artificial reservoir based on the pattern of natural
          fractures in the basement rock. Scientific studies will focus on fracture location, reservoir development and
          management and water-rock interactions.
                                                     Area 3, tenth paragraph
          In addition, the deep geology of Europe will be studied in order to obtain a better understanding of the
          processes which have led to the development of geothermal and hydrocarbon reservoirs. Seismic reflection
          and electromagnetic surveys will be the main methods for study. Other geophysical and geochemical
          methods will be integrated if necessary.
                                                    Area 4, fourth paragraph
          Research will also be carried out on clean and energy saving production of hydrogen and methanol with
          SOFC based technologies, aiming at 40 % electricity savings in the case of hydrogen. Industrial electro-
          chemical reactors for production of chemical compounds or the treatment of effluent by electrolysis and
          oxidation will also be considered.
                                                     Area 4, fifth paragraph
          The goal is to develop and improve technologies and modelling tools which are expected to have a major
          impact on heat and electricity savings and on a reduction of pollution. These technologies should lead to
          energy savings of 20 to 25 % in new equipment, buildings and processes.
 ---pagebreak--- N o C 76/14                              Official Journal of the European Communities                                      21. 3. 91
                                                       Area 4, sixth paragraph
            Current work on energy saving in industry has allowed new goals to be determined. In particular, process
            intensification and process integration will be extended to include environmental aspects. As a result the
            following priorities have been established in close collaboration with industry: unit operations e.g. sepa-
            ration techniques, heat exchangers, process intensification, chemical reactors; process integration leading to
            energy saving and decreased pollution; energy conversion equipment such as catalytic combustion,
            industrial high temperature heat pumps for heating and refrigeration, addressing also the problem of CFC
            substitutes; electricity saving.
                                                      Area 4, seventh paragraph
            Research on energy saving in buildings will include in particular passive cooling, aiming at reducing the
            electricity demand for cooling, in particular for southern European countries. New daylighting techniques
            will be developed to reduce lighting and cooling requirements. Work on heat pumps will in future be
            focused on integration of catalytic combustors and cheap compact heat exchangers. Aerogel research will
            be extended to the development of highly insulating transparent and adaptable windows. Air management
            systems in buildings will also be considered. New energy saving design systems will be developed to provide
            architects with tools to introduce energy saving techniques in the building sector and urban planning. The
            potential for energy savings and consequential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through new and
            improved technologies in the domestic sector is recognized and R & D will be directed to realizing this
            potential.
                                                        Area 4, paragraph 7a
                                                                 (new)
            Special attention will be given to standardizing building design taking account of passive solar energy and
            making possible substantial energy savings. The programme will also seek to improve technology in the
            domestic sector, making possible both energy savings and a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas
            emissions.
                                                      Area 4, eighth paragraph
            The aim is to develop advanced technologies which can lead to highly efficient and clean transport. This
            area, which will involve the participation of industry, deals with short, medium and long term research and
            includes both combustion engines and fuel cell and battery driven electric vehicles. Complementarity with
            actions carried out in the industrial and materials technologies programme will be ensured by means of
            integrated projects.
 ---pagebreak--- 21. 3. 91                                Official Journal of the European Communities                                    No G 76/15
                                                             ANNEX II
                                       INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF EXPENDITURES
          In %, for the period 1990 to 1994
          Area 1:        Analysis of strategies and modelling                      5-7
          Area 2:        Minimum emission power production                       20-30
                         from fossil sources
          Area 3:        Renewable energy sources                                30-40 O
          Area 4:        Energy utilization and conservation                     30-40 0)
          The breakdown between different areas does not exclude the possibility that projects could cover several
          (') Including integrated projects.
                                                            ANNEX III
                       RULES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES FOR
                                 DISSEMINATION AND EXPLOITATION OF THE RESULTS
                                                            Paragraph la
                                                                (new)
          1. For the purpose of this decision, sub-programmes and projects in implementation of the programme are
              defined as joint research and technological development actions designed to contribute to the devel-
              opment of new energy options that are both economically viable and environmentally safe, including
              energy-saving technologies.
          2. Community financial support may be granted for:
              (a) technological projects: these are projects designed to explore, structure or test the technical feasi-
                  bility of innovatory concepts prior to any industrial development;
              (b) essential strategic research projects; these are projects which develop, through crossborder colla-
                  boration, new areas of basic knowledge likely to initiate industrial research.
          3. Community financial support under this programme may in no case be granted to energy technology
              promotion projects, as defined in Article 2 of Regulation 2008/90/EEC.
 ---pagebreak--- No C 76/16                              Official Journal of the European Communities                                   21.3.91
                                                 Paragraph 2 fourth subparagraph
           The concerted actions are those defined in Article 92 of the Financial Regulation.
                                                 Paragraph 3 second subparagraph
           Natural or legal persons established in countries which have concluded cooperation agreements on
           scientific and technical research with the Community, may, based on the criterion of mutual advantage,
           take part in the projects undertaken in the framework of this programme. Such contracting parties will not
           benefit from Community funding under the framework programme. They shall contribute to the general
           administrative costs.
                                                   Paragraph 4 subparagraph 2a
                                                               (new)
           The Commission shall determine in each case whether the management of the programme, or parts
           thereof, can be undertaken by organizations or institutions outside the Commission, without delegating its
           decision-making powers.
                                                    Paragraph 4 subparagraph 5
           The exceptional procedure shall come into effect after the first call for proposals and must be completed
           before the ordinary procedure in such a way that the available amount for the Community's financial
           participation in projects retained by the ordinary procedure can be determined precisely. The closing date
           for the exceptional procedure shall be published each year in the Official Journal of the European
           Communities.
                                                    Paragraph 4 subparagraph 6
           The amount of the financial participation of the Community for all the projects retained by the exceptional
           procedure will be decided each year, in relation to the projects selected according to particularly stria
           criteria of excellence. In any case this amount may not exceed 10 °/o.
                                                           Paragraph 4a
                                                               (new)
           4a. In selecting projects, the Commission shall give priority to projects which are incorporated in and
                associated with regional energy programmes.