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EU Funding for Research: Framework Programme

The European Commission manages research and technology development and demonstration on behalf of the European Union (EU), under the EU’s Framework Programme.

The Seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7) began on 1 January 2007 and will run for 7 years, covering the whole spectrum of EU research activity. The energy section within this seeks to accelerate the development of energy technologies towards cost-effectiveness for a more sustainable energy economy for Europe & the world, and ensuring European industry can compete successfully.

Part of the budget is always ring fenced for nuclear research (carried out under the Euratom Treaty with programmes on Fusion Energy and Nuclear Fission and Radiation Protection). The non-nuclear element of the Energy programme, of most interest to UK companies and research institutions, is worth €2.3 billion.

The headline objectives of the programme are:

• Diversified energy mix
• Energy efficiency & conservation
• Low Carbon
• Less dependence on imported fuels

These objectives will help to address the over-arching aim for the energy thematic within FP7 which is to transform the current fossil-fuel based energy system into a more sustainable one based on a diverse portfolio of energy sources and carriers combined with enhanced energy efficiency, to address the pressing challenges of security of supply and climate change, whilst increasing the competitiveness of Europe’s energy industries. The over-arching aim can be broken down into four main themes of the Energy element of the Framework programme:

• Sustainable development
• Security of Supply
• Climate change
• Competitiveness

The programme will give support to the whole range of research activities carried out in trans-national cooperation, from collaborative projects and networks to the coordination of national research programmes. When looking at what calls will be funded the emphasis will be given to the following activities; Hydrogen and fuel cells, Renewable fuel production, Renewable electricity generation, CO2 capture and storage, Smart energy networks, Energy efficiency and savings and Knowledge for energy policy making.

The Commission issues periodic calls for proposals, research and development activities of SMEs can receive up to 75% funding with demonstration projects receiving up to 50% funding. Proposals must be submitted by a consortium of partners from at least 3 different EU Member States or Associated Countries. The UK wants FP7 to contribute to increasing Europe’s competitiveness and to leveraging increased private sector investment so that research excellence translates into world leading goods and services. All proposals must have a minimum of 3 partners from 3 different Member States (one member can be from another country outside the EU). Proposals in FP7 are encouraged to look for partners in countries such as China and India so as to increase R&D capacity in these countries.

BERR & DEFRA fund the Energie Helpline which is dedicated to supporting applications for energy-related projects. For more information, visit the Energie Helpline UK website.

Alternatively, you can call the Helpline on 0161 874 3636.