© Olearys
© Olearys

Consultation open on energy research strategy

The European Commission is inviting all interested parties to take part in a public consultation on the development of an integrated research, innovation and competitiveness strategy aimed at facilitating the EU’s transition to a sustainable, low carbon economy.

The strategy is linked to the implementation of the Energy Union communication, which called for more research and innovation to ensure that the energy transition happens via modern, user-friendly, safe, sustainable and secure solutions to the benefit of EU citizens and businesses.

“Research and innovation are important to every part of the Energy Union strategy. With a comprehensive, integrated strategy that enables the quick uptake of new technology and innovation by the markets, Europe can keep its leadership in developing competitive, low carbon solutions, improve our quality of life and create jobs and growth,” said research and innovation commissioner Carlos Moedas.

Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič added: “Energy transition is perhaps the greatest challenge of our time whose pace will be determined by our capacity to innovate. In this endeavour Europe can be led or be a leader. I choose the latter.”

EU citizens, private and public organisations, and other stakeholders are invited to share their views on how to achieve the EU’s energy and climate targets, as well as sector-specific research, development and innovation goals needed for the transformation.

The consultation will also look into the competitiveness of EU economic actors and new business opportunities, and examine how transport – one of the main energy users in the EU – can contribute to achieving the overall climate and energy goals.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks. Its findings will feed into the integrated research, innovation and competitiveness strategy to be presented at the end of 2016, which will be prepared with the close involvement of the energy, transport and industry commissioners.