Policies

Efficient usage of energy has received considerable attention since the 1970s. It is the most important means to address the issues of rising energy demand and climate change. Energy efficiency improvements are generally seen as the most important and cheapest energy resource, helping to curb the growing global demand for energy.

This is why there are research initiatives in Europe and in the member states. European initiatives include

• the Framework Programme (Energy and ICT),
• the ICT Policy Support Programme,
• and new public-private partnerships.

Examples for national initiatives are:

• The German power electronics programme
• The Austrian climate fund which includes electronics research topics
• The Innovative Research Programme in the Netherlands.

For more information about the policies, download the E4U report on policies and programmes.