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For example, new and better materials for solar PV, better batteries, to interdisciplinary solutions that combine technologies in new more affordable fuel cells and new membranes for natural gas con- ways for optimal energy solutions, providing constructive linkages version, new thermal energy storage materials like PCM, and mate- to other challenges like transport, climate, and resources and a rials-mediums for long-term storage. Nuclear-related research will still safe and secure society. The systemic approach can potentially be needed and, in the long run, nuclear power may represent one of draw on a much larger knowledge base. Engaging the best talents the most important and climate-neutral energy sources. Grid security, and teams requires new instruments and procedures to identify in particular super grids or smart grids involving a complex energy research goals and hence the calls in the selection of consortia and mix, represent important research and innovation areas. the monitoring of results. Openness, dialogue, and output-oriented competition should be the guiding principles to ensure quality and Agricultural residues constitute a rich and untapped resource for impact. energy production, but remain under-prioritised in the current European research and innovation agenda. This must be corrected. The potential of university-based research and education has not Focus should be given to processing of biomass in bio-refi neries yet been fully mobilised in support of the plan. New instruments that allow for transformation of biomass to foodstuff, chemicals, are needed to couple educational effort more strongly to research feedstock, materials, electricity, heat, and bio-fuels. efforts, innovation, and technology transfer to ensure that trained talents are available for the ambitious rollout scenarios for the dif- The SET-Plan contains or can be expanded to contain all of the need- ferent energy technologies and to transform the energy system as ed technologies, but is weak on the systemic integration of technolo- a whole. University students going into society (teaching, industry gies. Compared with FP7 higher priority should be put on generic etc.) are probably the best links and bridge-builders between technologies, in particular energy materials and energy storage, but universities and surrounding society. also on interdisciplinary research, for instance public acceptance, energy futures, technology innovation, and market penetration. A key objective of the Horizon 2020 energy program should be to promote and support basic research on generic and emerging IMPLEMENTATION AND INSTRUMENTS radically new concepts as well as game-changing technologies The SET-Plan provides a well-balanced technology roadmap and systems, which should have larger shares of the budget than in incorporating relevant technologies needed to steer Europe towards FP7. Better cooperation is called for between the natural, technical, a sustainable energy future. The SET-Plan has so far succeeded in and social sciences, integrating systemic research projects and promotion of more focused energy technology research and stimu- better cooperation between analysts and policymakers. Effi cient lated new modes of collaboration between energy research centres united efforts can be achieved through joint programming as is and industry. The main concerns of Horizon 2020 should refl ect being developed by e.g. EERA and EIT. The trend of EU research the SET-Plan priorities. However, SET-Plan technology roadmaps towards large projects (IP) and demonstration projects may result in and performance should be reviewed in the early phase of Horizon research money being directed to industrial development. 2020, in particular with respect to the implementation of the EIIs, factual deployment of large-scale demonstration projects, and more systemic research should be added. Horizon 2020 energy programmes needs to stand on two legs. One leg is the revised SET-Plan that creates critical mass for the advancement and deployment of specifi c energy technologies, and the other leg is a complementary systemic approach 46


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