Energy and sustainable development: multiannual programme "Intelligent Energy for Europe", 2003-2006

PURPOSE: to present a multi-annual programme in the field of energy entitled "Intelligent Energy for Europe". CONTENT: the current energy framework programme is due to expire on 31 December 2002 hence the Commission's proposal to renew the programme for a further three years. The new multi-annual programme will have a budget of EUR 215 million and will be entitled "Intelligent Energy for Europe". The objectives of the programme are fully in line with the conclusions of the Green Paper on the security of energy supply in Europe. Promoting renewable energy will be one of the main planks defining the multi-annual energy programme set to run from 2003-2006 and will be comprised of the following four priorities: 1) SAVE : This is an energy saving programme with a total budget of EUR 75 million for the coming four years. 2) ALTENER : A programme to promote renewable energy. It will be allocated a total budget of EUR 86 million over the coming four years. 3) STEER : This programme will support energy saving measures in the field of transport and will be allocated a total of EUR 35 million over the coming four years. 4) COOPENER : This is a programme which has been designed to encourage international actions in line with the EU's priority of energy savings and investment in renewable energy. Joint funding will in principle be limited to 50% of the total cost of projects but for certain studies or measures undertaken on the Commission's own initiative, there is provision for 100% funding.�