ALTENER II: multiannual programme for the promotion of renewable energy sources

OBJECTIVE: To propose a new five-year programme of measures and actions to promote renewable energy sources in the Community (Altener II). SUBSTANCE: The Commission proposes to continue the Altener programme, currently running, by setting up a second multiannual programme for the period 1998-2002 (Altener II) to promote renewable energy sources in the Community. The proposed budget for Altener II is ECU 30 m for the first two years (1998 and 1999). The funding of the remaining period will be set once the new financial perspectives are known. The new programme has two main objectives: - to help create the necessary conditions for the implementation of a Community action plan for renewable energy sources; - to encourage private and public investments in the production and use of energy from renewable sources. The draft decision includes elements which were successful in Altener I, adding a number of new measures aimed at stepping up the programme. Altener II will comprise the following elements: a) extension of Altener I actions: - studies and standardization actions (including voluntary agreements) in the area of renewable energy equipment; - pilot infrastructure actions: regional and local planning; new financial and market instruments; education and training; - improved information flow to professionals and potential investors in renewable energy projects (establishment of networks, exchange of experience and knowhow); b) new actions to promote penetration of renewable energy sources (RES); initiatives aimed at mobilizing private capital to accelerate investments in renewable energy projects (biomass, solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems, solar energy systems in buildings, small hydroelectric projects, wind energy, geothermal energy); c) new actions for the implementation, follow-up and monitoring of the Community RES strategy; monitoring of progress made in renewable energy penetration at national and Community level and assessment of the impact of the various actions undertaken.�