“This illustrates a firm belief in renewable energy as a promising field for Norway’s industrial sector,” asserts Fridtjof Unander, Director of the Department for Energy and Petroleum Research at the Research Council.

Wind power dominates
A look at the grant applications received reveals that wind power is by far the most popular area. A total of 21 project proposals revolve around wind power, while nine focus on solar energy, five on hydrogen, eight on wave energy, three on biofuels and three on geothermal energy. The remaining grant proposals deal with energy systems, energy use and energy markets.

“During the past three years, the Research Council has intensified its activities in the field of renewable energy research. It is very important that these efforts introduce new solutions to the market and generate more value creation. The fact that so many companies are now taking up research activities across such a broad thematic spectrum is very encouraging,” says Mr Unander.

Seeking half a billion kroner
Norwegian industry has applied for a total of NOK 516 million in funding under the RENERGI programme for the next three years. Grant proposals will be assessed by external referees before the RENERGI programme board takes the final decision regarding the selection of projects for funding.

“Norwegian research groups are world leaders in several areas of renewable energy research. It is clear that the Norwegian model – which features close cooperation between the authorities, industry and the research sector –is a constructive way to go,” concludes Mr Unander.

For more information, please contact:
Fridtjof Unander, Director of the Department for Energy and Petroleum Research, Research Council of Norway
Telephone: +47 22 03 70 19/Mobile: +47 48 86 87 45

About the RENERGI programme
The RENERGI programme is one of seven programmes under the Large-scale Programme initiative at the Research Council. Activities under the RENERGI programme are designed to develop knowledge relating to environment-friendly energy. Launched in 2004, the programme has allocated funding to over 400 research projects led by a number of research institutions and companies.