The main objective of this theme will be to transform the current fossil-fuel based energy system into a sustainable, diversified and cost-effective system able to address pressing challenges (security of supply, climate change, competitiveness).

Where the approach is concerned, research will therefore focus on the development of cost-effective technologies for a more sustainable and competitive energy economy for Europe.

The practical applications are as follows:

• implementation of the hydrogen and fuel cells programme;
• development of technologies for electricity production from renewables;
• development of technologies for renewable fuel production;
• optimum use of renewables for heating and cooling;
• CO2 capture and storage technologies;
• development of clean coal technologies;
• development of smart energy networks (to increase efficiency, flexibility, safety and reliability);
• greater energy efficiency;
• use of knowledge for energy policy-making.

The budget allocated to this them will be EUR 2 350 million.

Environment

The major challenge here is to develop the technologies needed in order to strike a balance between human activities and sustainable management of the environment and its resources.

To this end, the emphasis will be placed on:

• development of tools for the prevention and mitigation of climate change;
• implementation of the international commitments of the EU and its Member States;
• promotion of innovative ecotechnologies;
• coordination of national programmes;
• strengthening the dissemination of research results.

With regard to the activities to be conducted, the specific programme provides for research in several areas with a view to giving appropriate responses to future challenges:

• the functioning of climate and the Earth system;
• interactions between environmental risk factors and human health;
• management of natural disasters;
• conservation and sustainable management of natural and man-made resources;
• evolution of marine environments;
• utilisation of environmental technologies for the sustainable management and conservation of the environment;
• technology assessment, verification and testing;
• Earth observation;
• the development of assessment tools;

The budget allocated to this theme will be EUR 1 890 million.