White paper concerning new adequate infrastructure

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Program for research, technological
development and demonstration under the grant agreement no. 609453.

DELIVERABLE
Project Acronym: MAGHRENOV
Grant Agreement number: 609453
Project Title: Convergence between EU and MAGHREB MPCs innovation
systems in the field of Renewable Energy and Energy
Efficiency (RE&EE) – A test-bed for fostering Euro
Mediterranean Innovation Space (EMIS)

D6.2 WHITE PAPER CONCERNING
NEW ADEQUATE RESEARCH
INFRASTRUCTURES
Version: 1.0

Authors:
Refaat CHAABOUNI (ANME)
Internal Reviewers:
Hugo Kerschot (KIC SE)
Richard Biagioni (KIC SE)
Claude Ayache (KIC SE)
Oceane Elmajdoub (KIC SE)
Mouhcine Benmeziane (IRESEN)
Josep Bordonau (UPC)
Abdelhak Chaibi (RD Maroc)
Franck Hashas (ITEMS)
Helene Ben Khemis (ANME)
Dissemination Level
P Public X
C Confidential, only for members of the consortium and the Commission Services

D6.2 White paper concerning new adequate
research infrastructures
© MAGHRENOV Consortium Version 1.0

2

Table of contents
Table of contents ................................................................................................................................. 2
Revision History ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Acronyms and abbreviations ............................................................................................................... 4
Executive summary .............................................................................................................................. 5
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 6
I. Main Characteristics of Research Infrastructures ................................................................... 7
II. Research Infrastructures in RE and EE in the MPCs: Analysis of the Current Situation .... 9
III. Recommendations for new adequate research infrastructures .......................................... 12
1. General recommendation ..................................................................................................... 12
2. Specific recommendations for RE and EE ........................................................................... 13
References ........................................................................................................................................... 18
Appendices .......................................................................................................................................... 19


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Revision History
Revision Date Author Organization Description
0.1 07/12/2015 Refaat
CHAABOUNI
ANME Initial draft
0.2 08/12/2015
Mouhcine
BENMEZIANE
IRESEN
Review
remarks
0.3 09/12/2015
Oceane
ELMAJDOUB
KIC SE
Review
remarks
1.0 21/12/2015 Refaat
CHAABOUNI
ANME Final version
Statement of originality:
This deliverable contains original unpublished work except where clearly indicated
otherwise. Acknowledgement of previously published material and of the work of others
has been made through appropriate citation, quotation or both.


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Acronyms and abbreviations
CSP : Concentrated Solar Power
EIT : European Institute of Innovation and Technology
EMIS : Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Space
ENPI : European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument
ESFRI : European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures
EU : European Union
Euro-Med : Euro-Mediterranean
GSO : Group of Senior Officials (former MoCo)
MIRA : Mediterranean Innovation and Research coordination Action
MoCo : Monitoring Committee for the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in RTD
MPCs : Mediterranean Partner Countries
MS : Member State of European Union
OCP Office Chérifien des Phosphates
PV : Photovoltaic
RE and EE : Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency
RIs : Research infrastructures
R&D : Research and Development
STI : Science, Technology and Innovation
TSP : Tunisia Solar Plan


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Executive summary
The present “White Paper” on “New adequate research infrastructures” is part of the support-to-
policy dimension of the MAGHRENOV project. It follows a first White Paper on “New Educational
Programmes” and precedes a forthcoming third one on “Innovative Business Stimulation”.

It is oriented towards stimulating the discussions, commitments and partnership building between
the Euro-Med stakeholders and decision makers for the promotion and development of new
adequate research infrastructures in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency sector.

The findings of this White Paper are based on the comprehensive deliverables that have been
produced in the framework of the MAGHRENOV project and on the various exchanges, discussions
and meetings we had with several officials and stakeholders involved in the RE and EE and in the
Euro-Mediterranean STI partnership. The findings are also inspired from the EU actions, roadmaps
and policies.
This document is divided into three parts. The first part is presents a brief description of the
characteristics of RIs. The second part is devoted to an analysis of the current status of RIs in
Morocco and Tunisia, the two southern Mediterranean countries members of the MAGHRENOV
consortium. The third part deals with the identification of a series of challenges to be addressed and
provides recommendations to stakeholders and decision makers on how to better deal with these
challenges.

Despite the drawbacks and weaknesses, there are strong points of support, which will allow for
successful design and implementation of a Euro-Med ambitious and coherent program aiming to
upgrade and develop a New Adequate Research infrastructure in RE and EE in Morocco and Tunisia.

The following set of recommendations is discussed in the Report:
• Integrating the issue of Research Infrastructures within the Euro-Mediterranean Research
and Innovation Policy Dialogue and Instruments.
• Equipping specialized research centres in MPCs with test platforms and promoting
standardization, accreditation and certification in the RE and EE sector.
• Fostering a shared use of big equipments and complementarity of Research Infrastructures
in the Euro-Med region.
• Developing and unifying databases related to the RE and EE sector in the MPCs to better
serve the needs of Research and Industry.
• Implementing networks of expertise and promoting the common commitment in industrial
R&D as part of technological platforms.

Beyond the acquisition of scientific, demonstration and testing equipment, the need to adopt a
coherent national and regional strategy for RIs development in these two Maghreb countries is of
paramount importance. The achievements of the MAGHRENOV project in this domain can initiate the
conditions for reaching this objective.


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Introduction
This White Paper on “New Adequate Research Infrastructures” is part of the support to policy
dimension of the MAGHRENOV project. It follows a first White Paper on “New Educational
Programmes” and precedes a forthcoming third one on “Innovative Business Stimulation”.

The main objective of this document is to stimulate the discussions, commitments and partnership
building between the Euro-Mediterranean stakeholders and decision makers for the promotion and
development of New Adequate Infrastructures in RE and EE.

The findings of this White Paper are based on the comprehensive deliverables that have been
produced in the framework of the MAGHRENOV project (work package 3: “Knowledge and
Infrastructures for Innovation” and on the various exchanges, discussions and meetings we had with
several officials and stakeholders involved in the RE and EE and in the Euro-Mediterranean STI
partnership.

This document is divided into three parts:
• The first part presents a brief description of the characteristics of RIs,
• The second part is devoted to an analysis of the current status of RIs in Morocco and Tunisia,
the two southern Mediterranean countries members of the MAGHRENOV consortium.
• The third part deals with the identification of a series of challenges to be addressed and
provides recommendations to stakeholders and decision makers on how to better deal with
these challenges.


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I. Main Characteristics of Research Infrastructures
Research infrastructures represent a very important tool for public and private research and
innovation players and a crucial requirement for developing knowledge and opening up new
research topics.
The need for research infrastructures is growing, and requires careful planning in order to make use
of the limited dedicated funds as efficiently and effectively as possible.
At the national level, the determination of Research Infrastructures needs is usually under the
responsibility of the Ministry in charge of Research and in several countries RIs roadmaps are
regularly developed.
At the European level, a dedicated body “the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures”
(ESFRI) was created in 2002 in order to support a coherent and strategy-led approach to policy-
making on large-scale research infrastructures in Europe. This strategy aims at overcoming the limits
due to fragmentation of individual policies and to provide Europe with the most up-to-date Research
Infrastructures.1

In the framework of its mandate, ESFRI developed several roadmaps, the next one being planned for
2016, and adopted a classification based on 8 research areas, among them Energy which
encompasses six sub-areas : Biomass, Electricity, Fuel Cells, Solar Photovoltaic, Solar thermal and
Wind.
It is worth mentioning that the term “Research infrastructures- RIs” has a broad meaning since it
refers to facilities, resources and related services used by the scientific community to conduct their
research activities. RIs may be single-sited, (a single resource at a single site), distributed (a network
of distributed resources, or virtual (the service is provided electronically).
Usually, six categories of RIs are commonly considered:
• Project: a collaborative enterprise involving research or design that is carefully planned to
achieve a particular aim;
• Laboratory: a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific or technological
research experiments and measurement may be performed;
• Research platform: a research network focused on a well defined theme with obvious and
high impact at the country level;
• Competence and expertise platform: a network of competences and expertise in a specific
field. The network can be distributed or virtual;
• Archive: a collection of historical documents or records;
• Database: an organized collection of data.

1
https://ec.europa.eu/research/infrastructures/index_en.cfm?pg=esfri


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Giving the context of the MAGHRENOV project we consider in this document that a Research
infrastructure in the southern Mediterranean countries should have the following attributes:
• The research infrastructure makes an important contribution to the development and the
mastering of RE & EE in a given country and at the regional level;
• The research infrastructure is widely used by researchers in the concerned geographic area
and is open to regional and international research communities;
• The research infrastructure may be situated at a single location, organized as a network with
an adequate centralized management or a virtual one.
Within this definition, a Research infrastructure may be:
• Technical infrastructures and Instruments: measuring stations, specific laboratory
equipment…
• Pilot plants infrastructure: demonstration and testing facilities;
• Competence and expertise platform;
• Information exchange infrastructure: data collection and archiving, digital scientific
information networks, etc.


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II. Research Infrastructures in RE and EE in the MPCs:
Analysis of the Current Situation
As it was pointed out in the preceding White Paper on " New Educational Entrepreneurial Programs"
there are in the Maghreb countries, as it is generally the case elsewhere, two main categories of
public research entities operating in the field of RE and EE. The first category includes University
Research Laboratories and the second specialized Research Centers in the field of RE and EE.

The main mission of the first group is to train doctoral students. Given their small size (on average
fifteen researchers by Laboratory) and their relatively high number, the financial resources allocated
to them (mainly through their participation to national research projects or direct funding from their
respective university) are relatively moderate. Therefore, the allocated funds allow them to meet
their running expenses and to acquire only small scientific equipment.

The second category is represented by a small number of relatively large institutions. The main
mission of these research centers is to contribute the development of the RE sector through research
and innovation activities. Usually, the financial resources allocated to these centers (mainly through
direct funding) are relatively important allowing the acquisition of more sophisticated research,
demonstration and testing equipments. In addition, these research centers are usually strongly
involved in several international bilateral or multilateral R&D projects which enable them to benefit
from additional resources, equipments and know-how.

For instance, the Research Center in Energy Technologies at Borj Cedria in Tunisia, CRTEn1
, which
main objective is the development, the optimization and the test of solar components and systems
as a contribution in national effort for the promotion of renewable energy and for the utilization of
the energy efficiency tools, hosts currently demo plants for solar applications, such as a pilot station
for PV solar electricity production coupled with a desalination unit, a demo plant for solar air
conditioning using parabolic trough collectors, and a test bench for solar domestic hot water
systems. It also hosts some development and test infrastructure for solar energy materials and
components.
IRESEN, the Institut de Recherche en Energie Solaire et Energies Nouvelles, in Morocco2
, was created
in 2011 thanks to the contribution of several institutions, targets to back up the national energy
strategy by supporting applied R&D in the field of solar energy and new energies. IRESEN operates in
the field of R&D through its funding agency and research center, offering many opportunities to
create synergy between the socio-economic world and the scientific one on collaborative R&D
projects. The main infrastructure that IRESEN implemented, in addition to the laborartories the
institute helped to establish through its funding agency, is the “Green Energy Park" and includes solar
PV and CSP demo plants in connection with energy applications, as well as infrastructure for solar
components test.

1
www.crten.rnrt.tn
2
www.iresen.org


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The compilation of Research Infrastructures in Morocco and Tunisia according to the ESFRI
classification which was carried out in the framework of the MAGHRENOV project (Deliverable 3.6)
reflects well this dual situation where large facilities are located in research centers and small
equipment in university research laboratories.

In Morocco, 35 university research laboratories have been listed with 5 research centers among
them two dedicated exclusively to renewable energies (IRESEN and Green Energy Park). In Tunisia,
around 20 university research laboratories have been listed with one research center dedicated
exclusively to renewable energy (CRTEn).

This compilation also highlighted the fact that Research Platforms (with the meaning of grouping of
large equipments and resources) are not yet sufficiently developed in Morocco and Tunisia.
However, important efforts are being made to overcome this situation.

With the support of OCP, which is one of the largest industrial companies in Morocco, IRESEN
implemented a platform for research and training in renewable energies "Green Energy Park" in the
Mohammed VI Green City of BenGuerir. This unique platform in Africa is devoted to create synergies
between Moroccan research institutions and industrialists. With an area of eight hectares, the
platform hosts outdoor demo plants for the most promising solar energy applications and
technologies as well as some development and characterization equipment for solar materials and
components. This infrastructure is included in a more ambitious IRESEN project which is a network of
research infrastructures covering different domains in renewable energy.

Similarly, in Tunisia, the Borj Cedria Eco-Park1
is in a process of up-grading its research infrastructures
by the acquisition of advanced equipment to support its R&D activities and to strengthen its links
with the local industry. The objective is to build accredited test labs capable to ensure technological
survey in one hand, and to achieve development, characterization and application of advanced
materials with added value in energy management and power consumption on the other hand.

Another identified shortcoming is related to Competence and Expertise Platforms. Two newly
created virtual networks exist in Morocco and only one in Tunisia. The same drawback applies to the
Information exchange infrastructure. Several small databases have been created mainly for
administrative purposes or in the framework of international cooperation projects but they are not
regularly updated and there are no links between them.

It appears from this brief overview that commendable efforts have been made in Morocco and
Tunisia to implement national research infrastructures in RE and EE but this process was achieved
without a coherent national strategy. This situation is in fact not specific to the Energy field but
common to all the other domains. As a result, RIs are fragmented, and there is limited offer to cover
research needs in areas like wind energy when equipment is duplicated for some other energy
applications.

1
www.ecopark.rnrt.tn


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Usually, RIs host institutions have little formal links between themselves and are facing strong
management difficulties in order to keep the equipment functional (maintenance contracts,
purchasing of spare parts and consumables, training of technicians and engineers…) Beside these
difficulties, the access and utilization of the available equipment is not generally easy when the
researcher does not belong to the host institution of this facility. Another important characteristic of
the RIs in the Maghreb countries is the absence of contacts with the European RE & EE infrastructure
projects. A short description of these EU infrastructures platforms and projects which target Smart
Energy Network grids, CSP, Solar Thermal, Wind energy and Solar PV is provided in Appendixes (1)
and (2)


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III. Recommendations for new adequate research
infrastructures
1. General recommendation

Recommendation n°1.

Integrating the issue of Research Infrastructures within the
Euro-Mediterranean Research and Innovation Policy
Dialogue and Instruments.

Reasons / Main challenges:
So far, the development of RIs in the MPCs was hindered by several constraints. The new
developments in the Euro-Mediterranean Research and Innovation partnership call for the adoption
of a regional strategy in this domain. This is necessary because of the relatively high cost of RIs and
the need to optimize the use of resources dedicated to their acquisition, management and
maintenance.

Implementation:
• As part of the reaffirmed intention of promoting the creation the Euro-Mediterranean
Innovation Space, the question of the acquisition, availability and management of RIs should
be discussed at the high policy level, (GSO and the newly created 5+5 Committee for Higher
education, Research and Innovation) and adequate mechanisms and instruments should be
put in place to meet this objective.
• The establishment of formal links with the Strategy Forum ESFRI1
should be considered.
• The RIs component should be included in next EU-ENP South countries national and regional
indicative programs2
.

1
https://ec.europa.eu/research/infrastructures/index_en.cfm?pg=esfri
2
http://eeas.europa.eu/top_stories/2015/181115_enp_review_en.htm


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2. Specific recommendations for RE and EE

Equipping specialized research centres in MPCs with test
platforms and promoting standardization, accreditation
and certification in RE and EE.

Despite the efforts made in the southern Mediterranean countries to establish adequate RIs in
specialized research and technical centres1
, there is still a significant deficit in terms of test platforms.
Test platforms are of paramount importance both for research and for industry development but
they are relatively expensive.

In MPCs, the processes of the production line shall be improved by establishing technical codes,
testing facilities as well as certification requirements.

To be effective, the implementation of test platforms in specialized research centres and technical
centres must be accompanied by capacity building to ensure their proper functioning and to ensure
the quality of the services they will deliver to users (manufacturers, researchers, quality control
bodies, etc.).

Besides training for staff (technicians, engineers as well as managers) which will be responsible for
the operation of test platforms, compliance of these tests to European standards and quality
certification of results provided to users will prove indispensable.
Implementation :
• Set a roadmap to better define the needs of implementation of new test platforms in
specialized research and technical centres of MPCs.
• Implement new test platforms in specialized research and technical centres of MPCs taking
advantage of the expertise of the Consortium members of the MAGHRENOV project and
their partners.
• Support specialized research centres and technical centres of MPCs for obtaining
accreditations and certifications with respect to European technical standards.
• Contribute to building local capacity to develop standardization, accreditation and
certification in the RE and EE sector in the MPCs.
All these activities could be undertaken as parts of ENP South countries national and regional
projects. It is recommended to DG NEAR to provide funding for these projects.

1
Technical Centres offer their services of advice and support to the companies of the sector. They contribute in
the reinforcement and in the development of the industrial sector. Their services are oriented towards the
assistance of the companies in solving their technical problems and improving their competitiveness.


14

Fostering a shared use of heavy equipments and
complementarity of Research Infrastructures in the Euro-Med
region.

RE industry is a technology-intensive industry. Its development in the MPCs will therefore be held
back if they remain positioned on low value added segments based exclusively on technology that
are transferred from the EU. On these segments, other countries are more competitive especially in
terms of costs.

The positioning of the MPCs as leaders of certain technologies in the Euro-Med region, in
complementarity with the European countries and in the perspective of a strong regional RE
industry, would be possible and should improve the competitiveness of the enterprises and products
of the whole Euro-Med region.

Improving R&D capabilities and process design in the MPCs would enable them to make a
breakthrough in core technology and key equipment. However, this improvement cannot occur as
long as the RIs will remain limited.

Heavy equipments are expensive. The MPCs are endowed with some types of big equipments but
capacities are still insufficient to meet needs. Moreover, big equipments are not operated optimally
because of management and maintenance problems.

Implementation:
• Fostering a shared use of big equipments in the Euro-Med region.
• In the case of future acquisitions, close coordination, or at least consultation, between the
Euro-Med region countries would maximize acquisitions and create a complementarity
between RIs in the region.


15

Developing and unifying databases related to the RE and EE
sector in the MPCs to better serve the needs of Research and
Industry.
In general, there is a lack of basic information in the MPCs regarding RE and EE resources,
technologies, financing, Research Infrastructures, policies, and other aspects pertinent to the sector.
Such information is necessary for public decision making, for researchers and manufacturers.
Competencies and knowledge databases as well as any other type of relevant databases related to
RE sector are useful for both researchers and manufacturers.

Several competencies and knowledge databases have been created in MPCs particularly in the
context of projects funded by the European Commission such as “Empowering Trans-Mediterranean
Renewable Energy Research alliance for Europe 2020 challenges” (ETRERA 2020)1
, “Mediterranean
activities for Research and Innovation in the Energy sector” (MARE)2
and MAGHRENOV projects. But
the dispersion of existing databases, the lack of systematic updating and the low accessibility,
strongly limit their added value for researchers, manufacturers and stakeholders.
Implementation:
• In the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership in Information Technology, DG
Connect (European Commission Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content
& Technology) could initiate the construction of a unique database integrating together all
the relevant competencies and knowledge databases on the RE and EE sector designed in the
framework of ETRERA 2020, MARE and MAGHRENOV projects.

• Extend ESFRI database to integrate data on RIs in the MPCs in addition to data on European
Union.

• Support the creation of a scientific and technological information service platform in the
specialized research centres of MPCs. The core mission of these information service
platforms can be to facilitate access to information, to local and international databases, to
statistics and to documentation on the sector both for researchers and manufacturers.

1
http://www.etrera2020.eu/
2
http://www.mare-Euro-Med.eu/


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Strong R&D capacities in the field of RE and EE in the MPCs is an important guarantee for upgrading
available technologies, promoting innovation and positioning MPCs’ companies in the value chain at
the Euro-Med region.

R&D and applied research capacities are currently limited in comparison with the performance of
basic research in MPCs. In a technology-intensive industry, such as the RE, it may reduce the
competitiveness of enterprises and products from MPCs.

The development of RE and EE sector across the Euro-Med region should be more effective if the
southern Mediterranean countries are integrated within a logic of complementarity with European
industry. Through strengthened R&D capacities, the repositioning of MPCs’ companies as leaders on
some of RE technologies should be possible, (for example in High Concentration PV where MPCs can
have a unique competitive advantage). The example of the textile and clothing industry's
repositioning in Morocco and Tunisia in early 1990s proves the effectiveness of such an approach
based on complementarity between enterprises of both sides of the Mediterranean and the interest
in promoting the MPCs companies offering products with higher added value and more intensive
technologies development.

For the time being local RE and EE industry is positioned at the end of the value chain. In the
framework of the MAGHRENOV project a comprehensive roadmaps adapted to regional climatic,
economical and societal characteristics have been produced showing that there is a strong potential
for Euro-Med industry to reach a market leadership position (Deliverable 3.3)

As a consequence of the RE industry current positioning specialized research centres in the MPCs do
not engage enough in applied research and industrial development and serve more academic
research than R&D for the RE industry.

Strengthening R&D capacity in MPCs specialized research centres in a sustainable way goes through
the establishment of Euro-Med Technology platforms.

The European Council established the European Technology Platforms (ETPs) in 2003 in order to
strengthen the European Research Area bringing together technological know-how, industry,
regulators and financial institutions. For each sector, these forums develop short to long-term
research and innovation agendas and roadmaps to be supported by both private and public funding.
Among the Energy dedicated ETPs, those dedicated to RE&EE are described briefly in Appendix 2.
It is important to note that setting-up Euro-Med Technology platforms is not an easy task; several
prerequisites should be met before.

Implementing networks of expertise and promoting the
common commitment in industrial R&D as part of technological
platforms.


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In the short term, the creation at the national level of Research and Service platforms involving
specialized research centres, technical centres and local companies willing to improve their value
chain positioning is the first prerequisite.

These public-private partnership based entities would contribute to the development of R&D and
technology for the sake of local industry and would constitute the first step for the development of
the RE and EE industry throughout the Euro-Med region by means of regional projects and
partnerships.

Implementation:
• In order to promote RE industrial development, an industrial public-private Research and
Service platforms must be established in the southern Mediterranean countries. Theses
platforms will cooperate with universities, enterprises and existing clusters in RE and EE, to
effectively allocate and make use of scientific resources.
• In the medium term these national Research and Service platforms should evolve to Euro-
Med technology platforms.


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References
[1] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on security of energy supply and
international cooperation: "The EU Energy Policy: Engaging with Partners Beyond Our Borders", Brussels
7/09/2011, COM (2011) 539 final
[2] http://ec.europa.eu/research/infrastructures/index_en.cfm?pg=esfri-roadmap, European Strategy
Forum on Research Infrastructures, Strategy report on Research Infrastructures, roadmap 2010
[3] European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures, Prioritization of Support to ESFRI Projects for
Implementation, 2014
[4] Energy Technology Perspectives 2015, Mobilizing Innovation to Accelerate Climate Action, IEA doc
[5] Commission of the European Communities, Commission staff working document, Strategy for European
technology platforms: ETP 2020
[6] http://www.sbfi.admin.ch/themen/01367/02040/index.html?lang=en, Swiss Roadmap for Research
Infrastructures in view of the ERI Dispatch 2017-2020, (Roadmap for Research Infrastructures 2015)
[7] http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/index_en.cfm?pg=etp, European Technology
Platforms,


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Appendices
Appendix 1: Energy related European Technology Platforms
The ETP SmartGrids
http://www.smartgrids.eu/
The ETP SmartGrids will contribute to realize the SET plan and will offer
strategic guidance for its stakeholders on the development of SmartGrids
to address future needs of electricity networks. It will mobilize its
expertise and influence through the dissemination of the agendas
developed.
The concerned stakeholders here are Distribution and Transmission System
Operators, Energy and ICT Technology Providers, Research Organizations
and Academia, Regulators and Associations.
The European Technology
Platform on Renewable
Heating and Cooling (RHC)
Platform
http://www.rhc-platform.org/
This Platform is developing concepts showing how renewable energies can
meet the entire heating and cooling demand in 2050 as in future, the heat
demand will be significantly reduced through efficiency measures. Solar
thermal energy will play a vital role in heating and cooling. So far, public
budgets for solar thermal R&D programs mainly focused on demonstration.
The European Solar Thermal Technology Panel (ESTTP) of the RHC-
Platform provides a comprehensive outline of the solar thermal
technologies strategic research priorities and confirms their great
innovation potential.
The ESTTP has identified a need for Research Infrastructures at European
level in solar assisted cooling and air-conditioning, in medium-temperature
collectors for process heat and for heat storage.
The Photovoltaic Technology
Platform
http://www.eupvplatform.org/
The Platform reflects the opinions and interests of all major European
stakeholder groups in the photovoltaic sector and related sectors
This Platform aims at realizing the European Strategic Research Agenda for
PV for the next decades and gives recommendations for implementation
plan for education, research & technology development, innovation and
market deployment of photovoltaic solar energy.
The main goals is to Contribute to a rapid development of a world-class
cost competitive European PV, ensuring strong links and coordination
between industry, research and market with the involvement of
stakeholders in the definition of research programs.
The Wind European
Technology Platform: TPWind
http://www.windplatform.eu/
It develops policy and technology research and development pathways for
the wind energy sector. Its ultimate aim is to achieve cost reductions to
ensure the full competitiveness of wind power, both onshore and offshore.
The Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) of TPWind sets out research and
technological development priorities for medium to long term, including
measures for enhancing networking and clustering of the Research,
Technology and Development (RTD) capacity and resources in Europe. The
Platform develops coherent recommendations, detailing specific tasks,
approaches, participants and the necessary infrastructure, in the context
of private R&D.
TPWind is composed of stakeholders from industry, government, civil
society, R&D institutions, finance, organizations and the wider power
sector, at both Member State and EU level.


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Appendix 2: Energy related European Infrastructure Projects
DERRI project distribution
Energy resources
http://www.der-ri.net/
Distributed Energy Resources Research Infrastructure are a key element of
Smart Energy Networks. With growing concern over climate change and
shrinking supplies of fossil fuels, research into distributed energy resources
is as important today as ever. Researchers for the DERRI project understand
this fact and are working to connect researchers and facilities across Europe
to develop distributed energy resource components but, above all, make
improvements to Smart Energy Network grids.
SFERA (CSP)
http://sfera.sollab.eu/
Solar Facilities for the European Research Area Concentrated solar power
(CSP) is a very promising renewable source of energy. The solar resource in
the Mediterranean countries of the EU and in North Africa is huge. The main
application so far is bulk electricity generation through thermodynamic
cycles, as well as production of hydrogen and solar fuels, water treatment
and research in advanced materials. The EU- research project – SFERA – aims
to boost scientific collaboration among the leading European research
institutions in solar concentrating systems, offering European research and
industry access to the best research and test infrastructures and creating a
virtual European laboratory.
SOPHIA
Photovoltaic Project
http://sophia-ri.eu/
The objective of the SOPHIA Research Infrastructure project is to strengthen
and optimize PV research capabilities, mainly by coordinating efforts on
important but precompetitive topics. The SOPHIA project addressed the
issues of fragmentation and costly duplication of research at the European
scale. Large research infrastructures working together will avoid the useless
replication of a large number of small efforts. The SOPHIA project aims at
bringing together the main European Photovoltaic Research Infrastructures
in order to provide the scientific community with common referential to
conduct efficient and coordinated research work in the field of PV
technologies.
The main outcomes of SOPHIA project which addressed 8 PV topics concern
the development of common databases, implementation of test platforms,
exchange of scientists and workshops organized.
The WINDSCANNER
(Wind Energy)
http://www.windscanner.eu/
The WINDSCANNER project involves a system that can generate detailed
maps of wind conditions at a wind farm covering several square kilometers.
The project, headed up by the National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy at
the Technical University of Denmark (Risø DTU), uses laser-based devices
called Lidars ('light detection and ranging'). A single wind scanner consists of
three Lidar systems working together to produce a three-dimensional map
of wind conditions.
Information provided by the WINDSCANNER will allow wind turbine
manufacturers to match the size of a turbine used on a site to the local wind
conditions. A mobile unit could be deployed to diagnose problems at
existing wind farms that are repeatedly experiencing technical issues.

White paper concerning new adequate infrastructure

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White paper concerning new adequate infrastructure