PV R&D in Europe - past, actual and future European commission supportive actions

Summary form only given, as follows. The energy sector is in great evolution worldwide and aspects such as environmental impact, sustainable growth and security of supply show the need for long term views. Renewable energies (RE) are nowadays getting increased acceptance as they provide optimal solutions to those questions. The European Commission continues its effort to support research activities on RE started in the early eighties and the Fifth Framework Programme (1998-2002) offered the ENERGIE sub-programme scheme to this purpose. In particular, the photovoltaics field has received a special attention through the addition of a Target Action L specifically dedicated to highly relevant R&D PV topics. During the 4th Framework Progamme (1994-1998), the Directorate General Research funded 84 PV-related projects with a financial support of around 85 million euros. The Fifth Framework Programme (1998-2002) should end its activity with more than 50 medium- and long-term research PV projects for a funding of 55 million euros. Equivalent numbers are expected for the short-term research and demonstration projects funded by the Directorate General for Transport and Energy during the same period. The EC Sixth Framework Programme (FP6: 2002-2006) will start soon and should provide good opportunities for PV research under the priority thematic area of research entitled Sustainable Development and Global Change. The European Research Area objectives have brought new implementations tools for FP6, which mean larger actions and better co-ordination through Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence. Those tools also include International Collaboration, especially with countries, which have Scientific & Technical co-operation agreements with the European Union.