A turning point for the “Intelligent Energy Europe” programme

Vincent Berrutto and Waltraud Schmid, European Commission, Intelligent Energy Executive Agency (IEEA)

Keywords

energy efficiency, programme, grants, Intelligent Energy Europe, European Commission, EU policy, buildings, industry, appliances, equipment, transport, local authorities, energy services, financing, education, awareness, training

Abstract

The Intelligent Energy Europe programme is the Community instrument to overcome the non-technological barriers to energy efficiency and greater use of new and renewable energy sources in Europe. Most of its budget is distributed through calls for proposals to co-finance 2-3 year pan-European projects serving the programme’s objectives. The programme is entering a new area in 2007. Its first phase ended in December 2006 and its continuation received an increased budget of EUR 730 million for the period 2007-2013. Its energy-efficiency priorities cover the building, industry, equipment and transport sectors. They have evolved to take into account the hundreds of projects funded so far, as well as the recently adopted European energy efficiency action plan. Its rules of participation have also been adapted to attract new market players, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises.