ALTENER II: multiannual programme for the promotion of renewable energy sources (1998-2002)

OBJECTIVE: as part of the framework programme for energy 1998-2002 (CNS97302), to implement a specific multiannual programme to promote renewable energy resources in the Community (ALTENER II).

SUBSTANCE: the Commission proposes continuing the ALTENER programme, the main objectives of which are as follows:

- to help to create the necessary conditions for the implementation of a Community action plan for renewable energy sources;

- to encourage private and public investment in the production and use of energy from renewable sources.

The ALTENER II programme, for which the Commission proposes a budget of ECU 81.1 m for 1998-2002, will comprise six types of project and measure:

1) studies and other actions intended to implement and complement Community measures taken to develop the potential of renewable energy sources, e.g. sectoral and market strategies, the development of norms and standards, grouped procurement and legislation;

2) pilot actions aimed at creating or extending infrastructures and instruments for the development of renewable energy sources in: local and regional planning; the tools for planning, design and evaluation; new financial and market instruments; information; education and training;

3) measures proposed by the Commission to encourage the dissemination of information (exchanges of experience and know-how; establishment of a centralized system for collecting and circulating information);

4) measures to encourage the dissemination of information proposed by entities other than the Commission (e.g. universities, public bodies, private organizations, etc.);

5) new targeted actions facilitating the market penetration of renewable energy sources and encouraging investment in the following areas: biomass; thermal and photovoltaic solar systems; passive and active solar systems in buildings; small-scale hydroelectric projects; wind power; geothermal energy;

6) new actions intended to implement and monitor the Community strategy for renewable energy sources (implementation of an action plan, improvement of synergy between actions, monitoring of progress).

The overall aim of all these measures is to attain the priority objectives of the Union, namely: to limit carbon dioxide emissions, to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the energy balance, to reduce dependence on imported energy, to achieve security of supply and to promote cohesion and local and regional development.