Norway and Spain, a strategic long-term commitment in R&D
Norway and Spain are committed to maintain the excellent outcomes of their cooperation in energy and environment R&D beyond the EEA Grants.
27.10.2014
More than 140 representatives of the Energy and Environment sectors from Spain and Norway met last 22th October in the Expert Seminar on Policy Making and R&D in Energy Efficiency, organized by CDTI and financed by the EEA Grants. The objective? To strengthen bilateral relations in a strategic sector for both economies.
In three Round Table, experts from Norway and Spain discussed about energy efficiency in buildings –the 160 million of buildings in Europe are responsible for the 40% energy consumption in Europe and for the 30% of greenhouse gas emissions-; the Smart grid or the electric car, a field in which Norway has much to say because this type of vehicles are already the top sellers.
Energy efficiency is one of the pillars of the EEA Grants Environment and Climate Change Programme, which represents 44% of the EEA Grants total funding in Spain. Almost 200 Spanish companies are developing research projects in the fields of Environment, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Climate Change; and 50 out of the 200 are in cooperation with Norwegian and Icelandic companies. Given the excellent results of this programme, Norway and Spain do not want the bilateral cooperation dies here. European Union Horizon 2020 provides great opportunities for both countries, European leaders in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
“Spain is a partner with whom we want to have a strategic long-term relationship because of their leadership in Energy and Environment issues“, highlighted the Norwegian Ambassador, Johan Christopher Vibe, in the Seminar opening. On the other hand, the Spanish Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation, María Luisa Poncela, pointed out the importance of joining forces “in the knowledge and R&D century”.
“Horizon 2020, along with other international and national R&D programmes can be the key to strengthen the link between European countries and to build a European innovative industry in energy and environment fields”, said the Ambassador.
Norway supplies 20% of the natural gas consumed in Europe and recently new licences have been issued to build undersea cables between Norway and Germany and United Kingdom. Moreover, they play a key role in renewable. “In 2020, we expect the use of 67,5% renewable energies in all energy consumed in Norway”.