Study on impacts of EU actions supporting the development of renewable energy technologies: Technology Sector Report, Bioenergy

This study assesses the impact that the EU Research & Innovation Framework Programmes funding has had on renewable energy technologies over the past twenty years (1995-2015). Eight renewable energy sectors are assessed: bioenergy, biofuels, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar PV, solar thermal and wind. The study consists of a quantitative assessment and a qualitative assessment based on interviews, case studies, a questionnaire and stakeholder workshops. The results show that the EU and its Member States play a leading role in R&D for most of the renewable energy technologies. EU funding has contributed to acquire a leading academic position that the EU holds for all renewable energy technologies. It has strongly supported pan-EU collaboration and continuity of research, which led to the introduction into the market of innovative solutions. Several technologies have already reached high levels of maturity, and renewable energy related jobs grew to 1 180 000 in 2016. EU industry turnover has constantly reached EUR 100 000 million over the past nine years, with growth in other sectors offsetting the decrease in solar PV industry turnover. The development of innovative renewable technologies has also contributed to a growing share of renewable energy consumption in the power, heating & cooling (H&C) and transport market sectors. However until today, technologies for power received significantly more R&D funding and progress in decarbonising the power sector has been faster than in the H&C and transport sectors.