Page 43

crf_rapport_rgb_singlepage

Several types of barriers hinder our progress. Some technolo- gies remain expensive (photovoltaic / PV), not reliable enough, or based on rare and expensive materials. Improvement of their life cycle depends on the effi cient collaboration of basic science (for new materials, new catalytic reactions, and understanding of physical loss processes) with engineering science. Some technolo- gies are already mature, such as wind; however, their full-scale deployment is slowed by high costs and the diffi culties of energy storage. Large-scale energy storage should receive more attention and more funding. Priority areas should be restricted to the R&D of technologies that enable the inclusion of renewable sources in the energy system. The transport sector has not yet lowered CO emissions, which 2 poses quite a challenge to the overall EU decarbonisation objec- tive. Accordingly, more research and innovation needs to address energy in transportation. There is a strong need for enforcement of clean transportation policy (switching of fuel sources), then strong support for research. For both power generation and transporta- tion, biomass constitutes an underutilised decarbonisation resource that should be better exploited through research and innovation in bio-refi nery concepts. TECHNOLOGIES AND PRIORITIES Horizon 2020 should underpin the competitiveness of new tech- nologies now close to breakeven, making them competitive energy options, e.g. wind power, PV, second-generation bio-fuels, and at the same time prepare for next-generation technologies. All low carbon technologies will be needed, including renewable energy, but realistically also natural gas (with CCS) and nuclear power, in addition to more effi cient use of energy in all sectors underpinned by smart grid technologies. The share of electricity in a global, low-carbon energy mix will increase, with a trend of signifi cant grid access of intermittent renewable energy. This will pose serious challenges to the effi ciency and stability of existing power grids. Largescale energy storage and distributed energy systems are desired, but are not yet available solutions. A particular systemic challenge will be the design and implementation of a transfor- mation of the European electricity system to a smart two-way system on many scales (temporal, power, transmission grids, distribution grids, load levelling). As the role of electricity grows in all demand areas, stability and security of supply become key issues for system operators. Network islanding, as well as decentralised emergency back-up systems, needs to be part of system solutions. This calls for new standardised ITC solutions to be designed and tested on many scales. A big challenge is grid security and reliability and more research is necessary in this area connected to ICT. 44


crf_rapport_rgb_singlepage
To see the actual publication please follow the link above