Motivation
The energy prospects analysis for horizon 2030 carried out within the framework of the 2006-2015 Catalonia Energy Plan (Pla de l’Energia de Catalunya 2006-2015) approved by the Government of Catalonia in October 2005 shows a perspective of fossil fuel shortage and a significant impact of its consumption on climate change, indicating a need for the development of policies seriously fostering energy conservation and efficiency, as well as renewable energy sources.
The lack of development of these technologies and their cost, however, do not allow for an adequate solution to the problem at present. These technologies must be developed to a much greater degree as soon as possible. R&D in energy conservation and efficiency and in renewable energy must therefore not only be fostered but also prioritized through techniques that can provide significant solutions within a maximum of 10 to 20 years.
Hence, the 2006-2015 Energy Plan proposed the creation of a Program Fostering Research and Development in Energy Technology in order to promote continued research in the best technology available. Catalonia’s Energy and Research and Innovation Plans also prescribed the creation of the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC) in order to carry out research and develop technology in the spheres that the Catalan Departments of Economy and Finance and of Innovation, Universities and Enterprise deem strategic for Catalonia, and in accordance with the needs of the business sector.
The Institute will serve as the primary organization through which the Catalan Government channels efforts to foster research and development in energy technology.
The IREC project was developed in keeping with the policies defined in or by the:
- Lisbon Strategy — read document
- EU Energy Green Paper — read document
- EU Seventh Framework Programme –- read document
- Strategy for Energy Conservation and Efficiency, Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce (MITyC) — read document
- Renewable Energy Plan, MITyC — read document
- Public research organizations of Catalonia currently working on energy issues
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