Commission looks to technology transfer to assist developing countries' energy needs

Brussels, 19 July 2002

In a move to help developing countries with their energy requirements and energy efficiency, the European Commission has tabled recommendations, including technology transfer, which would address energy cooperation between the EU and affected countries.

In a series of recommendations, the Commission has included the recommendation that there should be technology transfer to assist developing countries, specifically with relation to renewable energy and energy efficiency. The proposal also recommends that new technologies should be introduced relating to more traditional fuel sources, such as cleaner coal technologies.

There is also a suggestion that innovative financial mechanisms should be developed to promote investments in clean technologies through public/private partnerships.

But the Commission rules out several specific types of renewable energy as probably too expensive and inadequate to offset the decrease in traditional biomass. These include solar, wind and hydro plant energy. Nuclear energy is also ruled out on account of a lack of skills and equipment in developing countries.

For further information, please contact:

Gilles Gantelet Tel: +32-2-2994896

CORDIS RTD-NEWS/© European Communities, 2001