challenges and opportunities of renewable energy research 2020 and beyond

Challenges and opportunities for Europe’s Challenges and opportunities for Europe’s scientific research in renewable energy scientific research in renewable energy

technologies by 2020 and beyondtechnologies by 2020 and beyond

EUREC AgencyEUREC Agency

Webinar Leonardo EnergyWebinar Leonardo Energy6 November 20096 November 2009Simone LandolinaSimone LandolinaGreg ArrowsmithGreg Arrowsmith

AEE IntecAIT

ARMINES/MINES ParisTechBRGM

CIEMAT

CNRS- InESS

CNRS- PROMES

CRES

CREST

DLR

ECNECOFYS

EPFL

Fraunhofer ISE

CIRCE

FZJGarrad Hassan

INES

Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin

HUT

U. KasselIMEC

ISETISFH

IT Power

JRC/European Commission

NAREC

NPAC

NTUA

U.Oldenburg

WUT- PV Centre

STFC-RALRISOE

TECNALIA ENERGIA

SFFE

UCD

UA

U. Szeged

VTT

WIPZSW

CENER

ICIA

44 prominent mostly public R&D groups from across Europe active in research, development and demonstration for all renewable energy technologies …

Solar thermal Photovoltaics Biomass Geothermal Wind Hydro Marine

...and supporting technologies(energy efficiency, storage, distribution, integration...)

EUREC AgencyEuropean Renewable Energy Research Centres Agency

EUREC: the voice of renewable energy research in EuropeEUREC: the voice of renewable energy research in Europe

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http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Location_European_nation_states.svg

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ERECEuropean Renewable Energy Council

How the renewables interest is represented in BrusselsHow the renewables interest is represented in Brussels

EUREC AgencyEU Renewable Energy Research Centers Agency

EUBIA &AEBIOM

Biomass

ESHA & EU-OEA

SmallHydro

& Ocean

ESTIF

SolarThermal

EPIA

PV

EGEC

Geo-thermal

EWEA

Wind

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ERECEuropean Renewable Energy Council

How the renewables interest is represented in BrusselsHow the renewables interest is represented in Brussels

EUREC AgencyEU Renewable Energy Research Centers AgencyRenewables ResearchRenewables Research

Renewables Policy

EUBIA &AEBIOM

Biomass

ESHA & EU-OEA

SmallHydro

& Ocean

ESTIF

SolarThermal

EPIA

PV

EGEC

Geo-thermal

EWEA

Wind

Renewable Energy Renewable Energy IndustryIndustry

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to improve the quality and scope of to improve the quality and scope of European R&D in RETsEuropean R&D in RETs

1. Networking & information exchange in RE R&D

2. Fostering and facilitating an increasing cooperation between academia, research and industry in the renewable energy sector

3. Active participation to the policy making process through lobbying activities to ensure interest representation of the renewable R&D community

4. High level technical training & educational courses


Our mission:Our mission:

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1. strong network for Renewable R&D1. strong network for Renewable R&D

Unique network which groups European research centres and universities...

...acting as a communication hub that assists in quick and efficient information transfer to and from the EU Institutions…

… and among our members: twice-yearly College of Members

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May 2009: new EUREC publication on RE research prioritiesMay 2009: new EUREC publication on RE research priorities

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RationaleRationale

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With the new emphasis on rapid implementation of renewable energy technologies to achieve the 2020 targets, the EUREC Agency decided to revisit the research priorities in terms of how research can and should contribute to the achievement of those targets.

Structured by energy use:ElectricityHeating & CoolingTransport Fuels


Methodology and focusMethodology and focus

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Research priorities have been defined on the basis of a broad consultation involving the scientific community.

Primary focus on research fields where to invest in the coming years in order to reach the 20-20-20 target.

High potential research areas for 2030 have also been identified to stress the importance of investing in long-term research as a way to enable cost reductions in the conversion technologies, and make sustainable energy supply systems increasingly convenient and reliable.


Electricity (I)Electricity (I)

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Depending on the global development of the electricity supply industry, and assuming that the EU will fulfill its ambitious energy efficiency roadmap, renewable energy sources would be able to contribute between 33% and 40% to the total electricity production by 2020.

Research priorities by RE source:WindBiomassSmall hydro powerSolar PhotovoltaicGeothermal Concentrating Solar PowerMarine (Tidal & Wave)


Electricity (II)Electricity (II)

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Cross-cutting research priorities: Electricity Supply and Demand

As it is not always possible nor efficient to produce electricity close to where it is consumed, electrical distribution systems will play a very important role in the future development of renewable electricity, given that the areas of greatest potential are often to be found far from centres of population.

On the demand side management (DSM), research priorities focus on smoothing out the electricity demand curve, which will enable generating capacity to work at optimal efficiency.


Heating and CoolingHeating and Cooling

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The supply of heat for domestic and industrial purposes currently composes over 50% of the final energy usage in Europe. ⇨ mostly generated via combustion of fossil fuels.

For this reason, EUREC energy scenario insists in a very substantial contribution of the heating and cooling sector to the 2020 goals.

Research priorities by RE source:BiomassSolar ThermalGeothermal

Cross-cutting: innovative building concept


RE in transport applicationsRE in transport applications

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Current near-total dominance of internal combustion engines (ICEs) fuelled with fossil fuel in the propulsion of road vehicles.

In future, the renewable energy shall be delivered in the form of a fuel that is

a) comparable in price to the fossil fuel it is substituting;

b) energy-dense and easy to handle; c) that meets agreed specifications.

Research priorities by fuel:Renewable ElectricityRenewable HydrogenBio-fuels








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2. Foster cooperation between RE research and industry2. Foster cooperation between RE research and industry

Support collaboration between research centres and their counterparts in the renewable energy industry to define comprehensive R&D strategies, and to facilitate innovation and technology transfer.

European Technology Platforms:

Photovoltaics,

Solar Thermal (now Renewable H&C)

Also contacts with Smart Grids, Wind, Biofuels

ProRETT

KIS-PIMS

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Spotlight: from the Spotlight: from the to the to the

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36 Technology Platforms have been launched so far - six in the energy sector

From 2006 to 2008 the has been working to define Vision and SRA of the ST sector

The European Technology Platform on Renewable Heating & Cooling (RHC-ETP) brings together stakeholders from the biomass, geothermal and solar solar thermal thermal sectors - including the related industries - to define a common strategy for increasing the use of renewable energy technologies for heating and cooling.

www.rhc-platform.org www.rhc-platform.org


Spotlight: from the Spotlight: from the to the to the

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Greg Arrowsmith

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3. Participate in EU policy-making processes3. Participate in EU policy-making processes

MoneyEU energy technology policyThe structure and organisation of EU energy

R&D

G1


3.1 Money3.1 Money

G2

R&D + economies of scale = cheap renewable energy

Keep innovating to stay ahead of the competition

EU-level R&D helps R&D centres get to know each other

EU-level demonstration projects– Enable expensive projects to be funded– Can avoid duplication


3.1 “NER300” (1)3.1 “NER300” (1)

G3

NER = New Entrants’ Reserve of the revised EU Emissions Trading Scheme

Funds installations of CCS and innovative renewable electricity projects

Funding depends on the installation verifiably avoiding CO2 emissions

Total value: 3 bn EUR? 9 bn EUR?

Experience of operating installation to be shared


3.1 “NER300” (2)3.1 “NER300” (2)

G4

List of eligible projects

Per MWh funding reduces appetite for risk

Proposal selection rules incent high production bids and low cost


3.1 “NER300” (3)3.1 “NER300” (3)

G5

In-built contradiction in NER300 must be resolved

• Uncomplicated way: make CO2 dependence token

• Complicated way: financial intermediary to take on technological risk


3.1 “NER300” (4)3.1 “NER300” (4)

G6

Key demands:• Provide funding in an uncomplicated way• Start projects soon

Otherwise:• 2 years between Call for proposals and

award decision makes it impossible for NER300 to fund cutting edge technologies


3.1 “NER300” (5)3.1 “NER300” (5)

G7

Where are we now?• EC and Member States battling for control

of NER300 money• Further discussion taking place in EC and

between EC and MS• One meeting in November, December• Germany is key• EREC policy conference• Involve para-associations like PV

Technology Platform


3.2 EEPR3.2 EEPR

G8

Agreed within 6 months

565 bn EUR for wind, 1050 for CCS, 1440 for gas interconnections, 925 for electricity

CCS as fiscal stimulus? Really?

Other areas should have received attention


3.3 EIT (1)3.3 EIT (1)

G9

European Institute of Innovation and Technology

Knit together research centres, universities, companies

But how? Big ideas:• “ co-location centres”• mobility

Our ideas: “open innovation” modeled on Germany’s Forschungsvereinigungen


3.3 EIT (2)3.3 EIT (2)

G10

Chances of success?Expensive proposals to writeRelationship with comparable existing

initiatives or other proposals not definedFP6 Networks of Excellence have not

performed wellKICs swaddled in red tape?

Prediction: EIT to fade from view in 2010 and 2011 as KICs work and experience is gained


3.4 EERA3.4 EERA

G11

European Energy Research Alliance

Research centres identify resources to commit to ‘joint programming’

Joint programmes to launch (soon)

EERA opened up to small institutes once l’aunched’

A controversial first year


3.4 Looking ahead3.4 Looking ahead

G12

New Commission

PPPs in wind, solar, biofuels, smart grids

Mid-term review of the EC budget

The growing role of the EIB

For discussion in Technology Platforms:Changing role of R&D centres in maturing

industries like PVEuropean competitiveness vs China’s








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4. Education and technical training4. Education and technical training

Shortage of qualified workforce for the growing renewable energy sector is attracting more and more attention by policy makers at EU level

Scientific research in RE provides:– the means to achieve the European ambitions of

sustainable growth and competitiveness, – an important educational tool for the training of the

highly skilled professionals who will design and implement the energy systems of the future.

More efforts are essential in education!

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Wind energy sector employment (EU 2007-2030)Wind energy sector employment (EU 2007-2030)

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Source: EWEA (2008)Source: EWEA (2008)


Photovoltaics sector employment (EU 2005-2030)Photovoltaics sector employment (EU 2005-2030)

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Source: PV-Employment 2009Source: PV-Employment 2009


Bio-energy employment perspectivesBio-energy employment perspectives

EU accounts for only a small share of bioethanol production, but is a prominent player in biodiesel.

Most biogas facilities are currently in DE and AT, but are now also booming in Eastern Europe.

Fragmented data at EU level:– Germany had 95,800 direct + indirect jobs in 2008; – Spain more than 10,000 directly employed.

Cumulated estimation for the EU by 2020 (EREC/WWF): 580,000 jobs in biomass heating,

424,000 jobs in biofuels, and as many as 2.7 million jobs in biogas

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Our answer: the European Master in Renewable EnergyOur answer: the European Master in Renewable Energy

EUREC Agency has been coordinating the European Master in Renewable Energy since 2002

Postgraduate engineering program teaching students the latest techniques and most relevant aspects to pursue a successful career in the renewable energy industry.

Opportunity to specialize in one specific technology

Final degree: European MSc in Renewable Energy

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The EUREC Master: highlightsThe EUREC Master: highlights

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Courses taught at 7 different European universities in Germany, France, Spain, UK and Greece.

Students complete different components in different universities & countries.

16-month Master program for engineering students, divided in three parts:

Core

Specialization

Project


The The CoreCore semester semester

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Solid foundations in all main renewable energy sources (wind, solar, biomass, water)

Taught at:– Ecole des Mines (FR) in French– University of Loughborough (UK) in English– University of Zaragoza (ES) in Spanish– University of Oldenburg (DE) in English

Multilingual / MulticulturalIntroduction to all RES in existing high level courses

Balanced mix of theoretical and practical content


The The Specialisation Specialisation semestersemester

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Sole focus on one particular branch of RE technology:– Hybrid systems (Kassel, DE)– Bio-energy (Zaragoza, ES)– Wind (Athens, GR)– Photovoltaics (Northumbria, UK)– Solar Thermal (Perpignan, FR)

In-depth theory classes alternate with extensive practical work in laboratories and testing facilities.

Truly European experienceFlexibility and adaptation skills

Field trips to “real life” installation

Possibly from AY 2010/2011

Possibly from AY 2010/2011

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The The ProjectProject

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The EUREC Master has been conceived as to equip students with skills to respond to the needs of the industry.

The last semester, students are requested to develop their project thesis while working at the premises of a RE company or research centre

placement experience!

Each student is supervised by a tutor

Final presentation in Brussels


Statistics (I): students general profileStatistics (I): students general profile

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Students enrolled in AY09/10: 54

Country of Origin:– 70% from EU countries– 30% from non-EU countries

Average age: 27 years

Language skills: 3 languages

Female students: 20%

Nationality mix AY 2009/2010

GR7%

IE4%

India7%

IT7%

Lebanon4%

Mexico6%

RO2%

TR2% Colombia

4%

Cameroun2%

UK2%

FR29%

ES20%

CH2%Argentina

2%

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Statistics (II): students educational backgroundStatistics (II): students educational background

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University degree: – Engineering: 89% (industrial, mechanic

alenvironmental…) – Others: 11% (physics, marine sciences)

Hold a PhD: 4%

Previous work experience: 2 years of working experience (including traineeships, when related to studies)


Statistics (III): choice of specialisationStatistics (III): choice of specialisation

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Students per specialisation

Wind30%

Photovoltaic26%

Hybrid Systems37%

Bioenergy7%


Statistics (IV): placement for the projectStatistics (IV): placement for the project

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Students per type of host organisation

64%5%

17%

11% 3%

IND

ASS

RTD

UNI

GOV


Learning outcomeLearning outcome

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Technical skills:– Strong basic scientific knowledge (degree in engineering,

physics, computer sciences...) – Deep knowledge about energy systems– Detailed technical and specialist knowledge in one RE field

Professional skills:– Strong multi-disciplinarity and flexibility (open to changes)– Ability to work in a multinational team (language skills)– Project Management (including economic issues)– Global approach to problem solving and challenges

(solution-oriented)


How EUREC supports the MasterHow EUREC supports the Master

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Organisation of ad-hoc events (CoM in 2008, EUSEW 2009,…)

Link with the newly constituted IRENA (International Renewable ENergy Agency)

Raising of additional public resources (ERASMUS MUNDUS, ICARE,…)

Continuous contacts throughout the year with RE companies


Next stepsNext steps

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Applicants for the AY 2010/2011 will be able to register from January to July 2010.

Ongoing contacts with EU universities to expand the offer:– University of Perpignan (FR)– TU Lisbon (PT) – TU Delft (NL)– SSSA of Pisa (IT) – University of Vienna (AT) – Danish Technical University (DK)

– Polytechnic Institute of Setubal (PT)– Hanzeuniversity of Groningen (NL)– Università La Sapienza (IT)


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Thank you for your attention!Thank you for your attention!

EUREC Agency

Renewable Energy HouseRue d’Arlon 63-67B-1040 Bruxelles

Tel. +32 2 546 19 30Fax +32 2 546 19 34

[email protected]

www.master.eurec.be