Norway gives major boost to research on environment-friendly energy

Each CEER will receive up to NOK 20 million annually over a five-year period with the possibility to receive an extension of funding up to eight years. The CEERs will develop effective solutions for environment-friendly energy production and increase Norwegian expertise in the field. In the long run they will also stimulate new industrial activity and create new jobs.

Offshore wind energy is one of the key areas within environment-friendly energy research. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Leaders in their respective areas

The s will strive to become international leaders in their respective areas. As a group, they represent the key areas within environment-friendly energy, which include solar, wind, energy efficiency, bioenergy and CO2 storage and management.

The CEER scheme was established in accordance with the broad-based political agreement on climate achieved in the Storting in February 2008 and the national R&D strategy for energy, Energi21.

In keeping with international trends

Arvid Hall�n. (Photo: Bård Gudim) "This large-scale research effort brings Norway in line with a broad international trend in which the USA and EU are now taking offensive action to develop environment-friendly energy solutions. President Obama is putting focus on a new energy policy that not only seeks solutions to climate change but also acts as a catalyst for new, sustainable economic growth. Through our own focus on energy research, Norway can make a substantial contribution to international climate policy while ensuring our industrial development and energy security," states Director General of the Research Council Arvid Hallén.

The CEERs will cooperate closely with both Norwegian and international research institutions.

Thorough process

The process of selecting the new research centres was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, 28 research communities submitted applications, of which 17 were invited to submit complete applications in phase two. By the deadline in December, the Research Council had received 12 applications. These were assessed by two referee panels, one international and one national, before the final decision was taken by the Research Council Executive Board on 28 January. The centres' scientific merit and their potential to generate innovation and value creation comprised the key criteria for their selection.