EU-LAC SOM Working Group on Renewable Energies Report to the SOMCONCEPCION – CHILE, MARCH 20TH – 21ST, 2012

WG name: EU-LAC SOM Working Group on Renewable Energies Date 29/02/2012

LAC 'lead' (in bold) and participants

CONACYT Mexico, MINCYT Argentina, CONICYT Nicaragua, Costa Rica Institute of Technology - Costa Rica, CNPq Brazil, Peru

EU 'lead' (in bold) and participants MEC Spain, European Commission, France

1. WG Specific objectives

General Objectives of the Working Group on Renewable Energies- Determine basic lines of cooperation between European and Latin American

Institutions in:o bio energyo solar –photovoltaic and thermal- energy o wind energy

- Provide a set of working documents on EU-LAC joint priorities in three sub-areas- Identify research subareas for potential collaboration.- Formulate pilot activities in renewable energies.

Key criteria used to identify the objectives- Establish a common energy framework (e. g. the SETPlan in Europe) - Contribute to mobilize expertise and resources in a coherent manner and foster

synergies between EU and LAC countries and develop joint initiatives/programmes- Promote an operative platform to implement joint initiatives in emerging

technologies- Foster cooperation and coordination among EU-LAC countries which could impact

on smart regions development while assure a sustainable energy supply.

1.1. Specific research and innovation areas which the group has identified as priorities of common interest and on which the cooperation should focus

Research subareas for potential collaboration identified:BIOENERGY

1. Biomass availability and supply2. Conversion processes3. Markets and regulatory framework4. Sustainability

PHOTOVOLTAIC1. Solar resources prediction and monitoring2. Quality Assurance Procedures3. Stand alone systems4. Advanced grid integration & large integration of PV in building areas5. Capacity building

SOLAR THERMAL1. Quality Assurance Procedures oriented to the use of certified equipment

and its certification, certifications integration, installers harmonization, equipments and installers.

2. Thermal energy storage mainly in distributed generation WIND ENERGY

1. Wind Resource Assessment and short term forecasting2. Wind Turbines: technology for regional manufacturing3. Removing barriers and promoting deployment and acceptance of

wind energy: market obstacles, environmental issues, capacities

Complete description of the research subareas for potential collaboration in ANNEX 1: Summary of research subareas identified for EU-LAC potential collaboration and proposals for pilot activities in Renewable Energies

1.2. Areas/objectives considered but not retainedThe subareas and topics for potential EU-LAC cooperation identified, but not considered for primary pilot activities are to be kept and will be valuable for future activities that might be proposed. Additionally, those areas will be considered as valuable input for the activities in the new INCONet.

2. Work process In order to achieve the objectives of the group and develop a document of specific pilot activities on renewable energies to support the implementation of the JIRI the working group, with the support of the INCONet Eularinet:

- Identified and brought together stakeholders representing industry, researchers and policy makers from EU and LAC, the European Commission and the EU and LAC technology platforms,

- Explored past and on-going projects and networks in the region with the objective of seeking synergies where necessary, and building on existing work

- Developed relevant background documentation for the identification of opportunities, possibilities for policy coordination, instruments for financing joint research, technology development and innovation activities. (http://www.eularinet.eu/site/event/eularinet_workshop_on_renewable_energies)

The detailed report on the activities carried out by the working group can be submitted upon request. An abstract of said activities is briefly described below and further explained in ANNEX 2: Activities of the EU-LAC SOM-Renewable Energies Working Group (March 2011 -February 2012).

Brief on the progress of activities of the Working Group- In May 2011, Mexico notified the co-chairs officially about the start of

activities of the working group. (Official letter UEMEXCYT2/034/2011)- ALCUE Senior Officials informed and invited to take advantage of the activities

by bringing in their input. - Preliminary activities in May through a series of videoconferences between

experts from Mexico, Spain and Brazil in bio energy, solar –photovoltaic and thermal- energy and wind energy. PHASE 1: Meetings for discussing the Background documents on EU-LAC joint priorities a) Madrid, 11th -12th

May 2011 and GENERA 2011 ; b) May 16th – 25th, 2011: Series of videoconferences on solar, photovoltaic, wind energies as well as bioenergy (documents in http://www.eularinet.eu/site/events/language:eng)

- Document with the objectives and draft work plan of the working group circulated among the Working Group Members (ANNEX 3: EU-LAC SOM Renewable Energies Working Group 1st – Concept Paper )

- Main working mode – videoconferences, meetings, workshops to discuss key aspects:o Issues and objectives on which the working group would focus to get the

most out of the workshops in the frame of the INCONet EULARINET. o Tasks to identify opportunities for supporting the implementation of the

JIRI regarding pilot activities in renewable energies. o Proposals for pilot activities and actions to present the results of the WG

to the SOM in March 2012. - Two workshops in 2011 in the framework of the INCONet EULARINET´s

activities. PHASE 2: a) Rio de Janeiro, 31st August – 1st September REnergies group-Conceptual Note-29FEB2012-ff 2

2011 (Wind Energy summing up); b) Mexico, 21st -22nd September 2011 (Bio-energy and Solar Energy summing up section). First meeting of the WG on Renewable Energies on September 23rd, 2011 in Mexico City after workshop sessions. All documents related can be downloaded from the EULARINET web page (http://www.eularinet.eu/site/event/eularinet_workshop_on_renewable_energies)

- Preliminary proposals for pilot activities on solar thermal energy, solar photovoltaic energy, bio-energy and wind energy were summarized following a common structure including: Priority setting based on the analysis of the R&D recommendations for EU-LAC cooperation, Common specific subareas of cooperation, Proposed cooperation activities, Pilot projects and partners, Goals and timeline, Proposed funding schemes and instruments.

- After preliminary proposals and topics were validated among experts in the three areas, preparation of reports and further discussions with the Members of the working group. Funding agencies approached (BID, LAIF, AECID, FAI). Funding schemes in Mexico and Spain were explored. Additional information from other countries gathered. The pilot activities for proposal were finally identified and grouped into three modalities:

1. Pilot activities to be carried out in the short term2. Pilot activities to be further refined and agreed according to the interest of the EU-LAC countries expressions of interest3. Other pilot activities to be considered under a medium-long term strategy

- A complete description of the research subareas for potential collaboration in ANNEX 1: Summary of research subareas identified for EU-LAC potential collaboration and proposals for pilot activities in Renewable Energies.

- The list of stakeholders/experts consulted in ANNEX 4: List of stakeholders/experts consulted.

3. Identification of Joint or coordinated

Activities

3.1. Coordinated or joint calls to fund new collaborative research and innovation activities

Based on the results from the activities of the WG, the members evaluated different ways to go forward in the following proposed activities, which include the research areas identified as most potential.

3.1.1. Coordinated Activity Proposal: Joint calls(a) Proposal for a joint call on Bioenergy (biomass availability and conversion

process) together with the Bioeconomy working group(b) Proposal for a number o joint calls solar -photovoltaic and thermal- and wind

energy

3.1.2. Coordinated Activity Proposal: Project based proposal in bioenergy3.1.3. Coordinated Activity Proposal: Project based proposal in solar energy

3.1.4. Coordinated Activity Proposal: Further expansion of potential on-going national projects with focus on the research subareas identified (twinning)

3.2. Actions to promote and support networking and exchanges between research organisations in on-going or planned projects

3.2.1. Action for Networking and Exchanges At regional level the group proposes the establishment of thematic networks to work on issues of mutual interest to facilitate the links and exchanges between EU-LAC research centres and scientific collaboration on global issues of particular impact for both regions. As starting point the net of experts in renewable energies created as a result of the activities of the working group should be strengthened by the development of an on-line tool on the web of Eularinet, for instance. These experts can check the advances of the

REnergies group-Conceptual Note-29FEB2012-ff 3

WGs pilots and add their input regularly, keep in touch and further be invited to the thematic activities under Eularinet and in the future INCONet.

This action would be an initial step towards the creation of future thematic nets of EU-LAC experts which could in the medium or long term become part of Technological Platform on renewable energies

3.2.2. Action for Networking and ExchangesCapacity building focusing efforts on human resources development through:Promoting the mobility programmes available for the exchange of EULAC scientists in EU and LAC universities and research organizations taking advantage of the IRSES schemes and explore other existing instruments in Marie Curie and other national programmes.

3.2.3. INCO Net ALC-UE Net The priorities identified will serve as valuable input and should be taken into consideration for the future activities arranged under the new INCONet (observatories, workshops, joint calls)

3.2.4. A broader long-term strategy proposal for a framing pilot activity which may include a range of actions covering common cross-cutting topics identified in all areas -solar thermal energy, solar photovoltaic energy, bioenergy and wind energy (ANNEX 5).

3.3. Opening of programmes in the targeted areas to participation (without funding) of organisations from other EU-LAC countries involved in the group - To be explored

****************************3. Brief description of the Proposed Joint or Coordinated Activities

3.1.1. Coordinated Activity Proposal: Joint calls

a. Proposal for a joint call on Bioenergy (biomass availability and conversion process) together with the Bioeconomy working group

In Bioenergy four subareas for potential collaboration were identified. The Group agreed in narrowing down the subareas to work initially in biomass availability and conversion process since there is common ground with the Working group on Bioeconomy to propose a Joint call on these subareas.

The group proposes to co-ordinately work with the WG on Bio-economy and join efforts to define joint calls for proposals for bi- tri- or multilateral cooperation on Biomass availability and Conversion processes in these three selected topics complimentarily with the topics selected by the Bioeconomy working group on Biomass availability and Conversion processes.

The following three topics on biomass availability and conversion processes are proposed to be included in a joint call with the Bioeconomy WG.

Area: Bio-energySubarea: Biomass - Biomass availabilityThe lack of a harmonized methodology for estimating potential biomass production makes it difficult to evaluate on a common basis such potentiality. Topic: “Topic 1.1. Harmonization of methodologies to assess the potential for biomass production in LA including environmental and socio-economic aspects and limitations, including the development of availability-cost curves for different sources of biomass (energy crops, forestry and agriculture residues, wastes) and geographical locations; development of interfacing systems analysis (supply-demand, market interdependencies,

REnergies group-Conceptual Note-29FEB2012-ff 4

impact of policies)” - (Rate A - High) Potential partners: (Argentina (INTA/EEAOC), Brazil (CENBIO), Colombia (UNC), México (REMBIO), Chile (UChile/UDEC). European Union Potential partners for all activities (among others): German (FZK), France (IFP/INRA/CNRS/CEA), Spain (CIEMAT), (Lund University) (Sweden)

The topic 1.1. of the bio-energy thematic group can be entirely compatible with the priorities of the Bioeconomy working group and it is also covered to certain extent by topic 1.2. (below)

Area: Bio-energySubarea: Biomass- Biomass availabilityTopic: “Topic 1.2. Development of new high-yield agricultural and forest systems based on the breeding of crops and trees optimized for biomass production for multiple uses”. - (Rate A – High)Potential partners: (Argentina (INTA/EEAOC/Conicet/U. Nacionales), Chile (UDEC/INIA), Colombia (U del Valle/CIAT), México (INIFAP), Brazil (Embrapa/CTC/CTBE/RIDESA)

The topic of the Bioenergy group 1.2. (above) was selected based on the fact that biotech crops approaches suggested by the Bioeconomy group ((items 1.4 Biotic stress resistant crops for non-food use and1.3. In planta production of bulk chemicals by GMO and non-GMO approaches) are also considered priority by members of the Bioenergy group. Additionally, if abiotic stress tolerance is added in the text of topic 1.4. “Biotic stress resistant crops...” both the Bioenergy as well as the Bioeconomy group would consider this topic a very high priority.

Area: Bio-energySubarea: Conversion processes - Biofuels for transportTo prioritize more concrete technological development collaboration the topic 2.1.3. related to the development of bio-refinieries and bioenergy was considered high priority by the Bioenergy group while the Bio-economy group coincides with this in the topic 2.6 Demonstration projects in bio-refineries. Topic: “2.1.3. Develop integrated bio refinery concepts making full use of a variety of biomass feed stocks to obtain bioenergy, biofuels and high-value bio products (Rated A - High) “Potential partners: Argentina ((INTA/EEAOC), Brazil (CTBE/CTC/UNICAMP/USP), Chile (PUCV/ UdeC). European Union Potential partners for all activities (among others): Germany (FZK), France (IFP/INRA/CNRS/CEA), Spain (CIEMAT), Sweden (Lund University).

Although the topic 2.2.1. Improvement and innovation on biogas digesters design and performance (Rated B-medium by the Bioenergy group) was also considered, it does not incorporate the spirit of what was found by the bioenergy group: for conversion technologies, the Bioenergy group concluded that bioenergy technologies for heat and electricity had a medium-low priority compared to the conversion processes for transport bioufuels.

Implementation: The group proposes to co-ordinately work with the WG on Bio-economy and join efforts to define joint calls for proposals for bi- tri- or multilateral cooperation on Biomass availability and Conversion processes in these three selected topics complimentarily with the topics selected by the Bioeconomy working group on Biomass availability and Conversion processes.Steps: Agree (videoconference or other means) with the Bioeconomy WG before/after the SOM on- The approach and the preparation of a common call text - Explore the interest of EU-LAC countries to participate during/after the SOM - Based on the expressions of interest of the potential participant countries and on

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national programmes organize co-funding of bi- tri- or multilateral cooperation on the basis of the international agreements signed with partner agencies. These agreements are evidence of the common will to support jointly research projects on one or more scientific areas that the parties consider strategic.

- The funding will be determined according to the national budgets available.- Create a joint evaluation committee including international experts to evaluate and

rank the projects to recommend those for funding. The funding organizations involved in the joint call will determine the projects to be funded on the basis of the projects recommended by the committee.

- Should enterprises be included, the process could be under the care of agencies such as CEDETI, for example.

3.1.1. Coordinated Activity Proposal: Joint callsb. Proposal for a number o joint calls solar -photovoltaic and thermal- and

wind energyRegarding solar energy, both photovoltaic and thermal, and wind energy it is proposed to define a set of joint calls for proposals for bi- tri- or multilateral cooperation on the following topics

Area: Solar energySubarea: Photovoltaic energyTopic: Topic solar thermal energy: Thermal energy storage mainly in distributed generation (may include phase change material, fluid heat transfers, advanced systems, mechanical storage configuration)Potential partners: Universidad Nacional de Salta (AR)+CIEMAT (ES)+ CEA (FR)

Area: Solar energySubarea: Solar thermal energyTopic: Topic photovoltaic energy: “Quality Assurance Procedures” oriented to the use of certified equipment and its certification, certifications integration, installers harmonization, equipments and installers. The scope of the proposed project(s) should be the development of a harmonized certification strategy for solar PV stand alone systems in order to ensure the technical quality. Potential partners: Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Spain

Area: Wind energySubarea: Wind resources assessment and short term forecastTopic: Wind observational data. Definition of a common protocol to include the pre-existing observational data and the new data from the new specific measurement campaigns comprising high anemometrical masts (order of 100 m AGL), SODARs, LIDARs and tethered balloons into a database. Development of a quality control procedure to assure good observational data to be employed for the validation of the numerical models, calibration of statistical models, boundary layer characterisation and inference of low uncertainty extreme wind statistics.Potential partners: EFEI (BRA)+CIEMAT (ES)+ CEAZA (CHI).+UFSJ (BRA)+ UNAM (ME)+ PUCRS (BRA)+INEGI (POR), STE Pesquisa e Desemvolvimiento (BRA) in cooperation with national industry and developers

Area: Wind energySubarea: Wind resources assessment and short term forecastTopic: Data analysis and modellingDevelopment of regional and national high resolution wind maps by means of a dynamical downscaling approach based on high quality low resolution re-analysis data from General Circulation Models (GCMs) or Limited Area Models LAMs); checking different parameterisations of a nested mesoscale model coupled with a microscale model to increase this low resolution, taking into account local effects from orography, surface

REnergies group-Conceptual Note-29FEB2012-ff 6

roughness and thermal systems including the assessing of the wind resource in a very local scale giving special emphasis to the wakes within and between wind farms and the micrositing tasks under particular circumstances (complex terrain, forested areas, coastal areas etc.).Potential partners: EFEI (BRA); CIEMAT (ES); CEAZA (CHI); UFSJ (BRA); UNAM (ME); PUCRS (BRA); INEGI (POR), STE Pesquisa e Desemvolvimiento (BRA) in cooperation with national industry and developers

Area: Wind energySubarea: Wind resources assessment and short term forecastTopic: Short-term prediction Development of time series based models for short-term prediction (up to 10 hours ahead) and very short-term prediction (up to 3 hours ahead) of the wind farm’s output checking adaptive and non-adaptive approaches, parametric and non-parametric models, linear and non-linear relations and regime-switching models; assessing uncertainty and development of NWP’s based models for a wider forecast horizon (up to 3 days ahead), checking meso- and microscale coupled models as well as planetary boundary layer approaches; development of power curve models to convert wind forecasts (from the dynamical models) into power forecasts; assessing uncertainty.Potential partners: EFEI (BRA)+CIEMAT (ES)+ CEAZA (CHI)+UFSJ (BRA)+ UNAM (ME)+ PUCRS (BRA)+INEGI (POR), STE Pesquisa e Desemvolvimiento (BRA) in cooperation with national industry and developers

Area: Wind energySubarea: Wind turbines – Technology for regional fabricationTopic: Wind turbinesSettling a turbine test facility for wind turbine research certification. This would assist the local turbine industry, and allow certification of local and foreign products for wind turbine industry, preliminary tests of wind turbine system prototypes and the training of technicians. This activity is in full compliance with the SET plan. Potential partners: UFC (BRA)+CIEMAT (ES)+ CENER (ES)+UFSM (BRA)+URNC (ARG)+ PUCRS (BRA)+UFRJ(BRA)

Implementation: For the subareas of solar and wind energy, the group proposes two modes for defining joint calls:

1st Mode: To define joint calls for proposals for bi- tri- or multilateral cooperation on photovoltaic and thermal energy with the selected topics based on the interest of EU-LAC countries to participate Steps:

Explore the interest of EU-LAC countries to participate during/after the SOM Based on the expressions of interest of the potential participant countries and

on national programmes organize co-funding of bi- tri- or multilateral cooperation on the basis of the international agreements signed with partner agencies. These agreements are evidence of the common will to support jointly research projects on one or more scientific areas that the parties consider strategic.

Create a joint evaluation committee including international experts to evaluate and rank the projects to recommend those for funding. The funding organizations involved in the joint call will determine the projects to be funded on the basis of the projects recommended by the committee.

The funding will be determined according to the national budgets available. Should enterprises be included, the process could be under the care of

agencies such as CEDETI, for example.

2ndMode: Collaborate with the representatives from the Commission in order to agree on

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the formulation of recommendations on how to proceed with the implementation of a joint call(s) (decision process, funding instrument). It is envisaged cooperation/contact with ESTI (the European reference laboratory for the verification of the power and energy generation of photovoltaic devices) and SOLAREC (the JRC's internally-funded project on photovoltaic solar energy for the 7th Framework Programme.

3.1.2. Coordinated Activity Proposal: Project based proposal in bioenergy

Project based proposal in BIOENERGYAs a result of the thematic workshops organized by the Eularinet in support to the JIRI and the SOM EU-LAC working group on renewable energies, experts from EU-LAC countries agreed in proposing pilot activities in an alternative way as a broader scope project divided into work packages covering the different subareas identified for potential EU-LAC collaboration.

The proposed activities could be developed in 4 years. The time schedule to reach the goals is estimated within a 4 years project (Y1-Y4). A broad estimate budget for such a project would be 8-12 M Euros.

1. Activities on biomass availability and supply: 1.1. To compare different methodologies for the assessment of biomass

availability, logistics and costs in order to achieve a common harmonized approach leading to consistent results.Main goals (Y2-Y4)1.1.1. Harmonized methodology and approaches of assessments1.1.2. Improved logistics and cost estimations

1.2 To design and develop new high-yield biomass production systems through breeding of crops, trees and algae, optimized for biomass production for multiple uses

Main goals (Y1-Y4)1.2.1. Improved germplasm1.2.2. Efficient production systems and technologies

2. Activities for conversion processes: To improve current conversion processes to their full potential for valorisation of waste streams, higher GHG reduction, increased flexibility for different raw materials and lower cost. Develop advanced technologies for biofuels production (new enzymes, microorganisms and processes)

Main goals (Y1-Y5)2.1 New and improved technologies for biofuels production

3. Markets and regulatory framework: To facilitate national, regional, and international trade. Main goals (Y1-Y5) To transfer long-term experience of European standardization bodies for setting up biofuels standards in LA

4. Activities in sustainability: To develop robust indicators and coherent methodology to assess and monitor the three dimensions of sustainability: economic, environmental, social; generate and collect data required and carry out sustainability assessment based on relevant, transparent and science-based data and tools; and evaluate the performance of institutional and regulatory frameworks in LA to develop

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alternative ways to ensure governance and compliance with sustainability goalsMain goals (Y1-Y4)2.1.1. Set of indicators and methods of assessment 2.1.2. Coherent methodology2.1.3. Data base to carry out sustainability assessment 2.1.4. Evaluation of the performance of regulations

Implementation: Due to the size of the proposed initiative, potential participant institutions should evaluate their possibilities based on their institutional/national programmes in order to evaluate their funding availability and/or otherwise propose how they would be willing to take part in the activities.

Should no consensus was reached as to the possible implementation of this initiative in bioenergy due to its size and complexity, the priorities identified in the Bio-energy subarea will serve as valuable input and should be taken into consideration for the future activities arranged under the new INCO Net ALC-UE Net.

Additionally, at the end of the proposals there is a broader long-term strategy draft proposal for a framing pilot activity which may include a range of actions which was formulated based on the common cross-cutting topics identified in all areas -solar thermal energy, solar photovoltaic energy, bioenergy and wind energy.

This proposal is a preliminary initiative for the establishment of thematic networks on issues of mutual agreement that, on a first level would facilitate links and exchanges between European and Latin American research institutions (since the training aspect is particularly critical in these networks). The initiative could be implemented as an adaptation of the ALFA programme but stressing research and researchers.

On a regional level, this proposal would focus scientific collaboration between EU-LAC on global challenges and by seeking the participation of Latin American companies the creation of technology platforms would also be encouraged enhancing the coordination of R&T&I collaboration at national, regional and bi-regional levels.

3.1.3. Coordinated Activity Proposal: Project based proposals in solar energy

Project based proposal in PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGYAs a result of the thematic workshops organized by the Eularinet in support to the JIRI and the SOM EU-LAC working group on renewable energies, experts from EU-LAC countries agreed in proposing pilot activities in an alternative way as a broader scope project divided into work packages covering the different subareas identified for potential EU-LAC collaboration.

Area: Solar energySubarea: photovoltaic energyTopic: “Quality Assurance Procedures”. 2.2. Use of certified equipment and certification of equipments, certifications integration, installers harmonization, equipments and installers Potential partners: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, France, Germany, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay. The partnership structure must include Labs and standardization’s organizations.

This common priority is included in the R&D line called “Quality Assurance Procedures. The activities for cooperation are hereby being proposed following the scheme of a project. The scope of the proposed project should be the development of a harmonized certification strategy for solar PV stand alone systems in order to ensure the technical

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quality.

The specific actions in the proposed project are as follow:A1 Regarding certification purposes: analysis of the present situation on

certification capacities in all countries.A2. Identification of gaps in existing standards for solar PV SystemsA3. Development of harmonized standards and/or norms for PV systems in

cooperation with the standardization organismsA4. Definition of the verification procedure for components (modules, regulators,

batteries, inverters..) and complete systemsA5. Reinforcement of the testing and measurement capacities. (Identification of

labs needs and capacity building)A6. Development of a quality labelling system for customersA7. Setting up a network of test centres

The proposed activities could be developed in 3 years. The time schedule to reach the goals is estimated within a 4 years project (Y1-Y4). The human resources allocation for the proposed project was estimated in 126 man/months.

Implementation: Due to the size of the proposed initiative, potential participant institutions should evaluate their possibilities based on their institutional/national programmes in order to evaluate their funding availability and/or otherwise propose how they would be willing to take part in the activities.

If no consensus is reached as to the possible implementation of this initiative in bioenergy due to its size and complexity, the priorities identified in the Bio-energy subarea will serve as valuable input and should be taken into consideration for the future activities arranged under the new INCO Net ALC-UE Net.

Additionally, at the end of the proposals there is a broader long-term strategy draft proposal for a framing pilot activity which may include a range of actions which was formulated based on the common cross-cutting topics identified in all areas -solar thermal energy, solar photovoltaic energy, bioenergy and wind energy.

This proposal is a preliminary initiative for the establishment of thematic networks on issues of mutual agreement that, on a first level would facilitate links and exchanges between European and Latin American research institutions (since the training aspect is particularly critical in these networks). The initiative could be implemented as an adaptation of the ALFA programme but stressing research and researchers.

On a regional level, this proposal would focus scientific collaboration between EU-LAC on global challenges and by seeking the participation of Latin American companies the creation of technology platforms would also be encouraged enhancing the coordination of R&T&I collaboration at national, regional and bi-regional levels.

3.1.4. Coordinated Activity Proposal: Further expansion of potential on-going national projects with focus on the research subareas identified (twinning)

Due to the potential of wind energy in Mexico and the growing number of initiatives and investments from the private sector in wind projects, it has been considered the possibility to develop a scheme with on-going projects to which other countries institutions might join.

As a primary initiative the co-leaders of the group are in the process to pre-selected on-going national projects which have potential to become internationally further developed. To this end, the Fund for Sustainable Energy FSE from Mexico would initially afford an

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initial amount to that purpose expecting other interested parties to express their interest in order to define bi- tri- or multilateral funding schemes for the projects.

Existing instruments are to be the prime option since fresh funding will not be likely to be available due to the financial crisis in Europe.

3.2. Actions to promote and support networking and exchanges between research organisations in on-going or planned projects

As a result of the activities carried out by EULARINET in support to the implementation of the JIRI and the formulation of pilot activities in renewable energies, the co-leaders of the RE working group agreed that the three subareas (solar energy –photovoltaic and solar-, bio energy and wind energy) converge in cross cutting issues: Policy and regulatory frameworks; Need of networking activities and Capacity building

Some convergence points are required in order to be able to increase this bi-regional cooperation. Different alternatives for action were considered as relevant to be put forward to the SOM.

3.2.1. Action for Networking and Exchanges At regional level the group proposes the establishment of thematic networks to work on issues of mutual interest to facilitate the links and exchanges between EU-LAC research centres and scientific collaboration on global issues of particular impact for both regions. As starting point the net of experts in renewable energies created as a result of the activities of the working group should be strengthened.

This initial net is composed of experts in bioenergy, solar and wind energy who can be further linked through an on-line tool on the web of Eularinet, for instance, to be regularly involved in the advances of the WG, the pilot activities and add their input, keep in touch and further be invited to the thematic activities under Eularinet and in the future INCONet.

This action would be an initial step towards the creation of future scientific-technical networks of EU-LAC experts in the field of bio energy, wind and solar energies. This networking could be, to start with, in the field of biofuels and bio energy with European and Latin American and Caribbean countries partners taking into consideration the actions taken by the Biofuels Thematic Programme of the Joint Research Centre (JRC).

This networks can develop further technical links with EU-LAC International Energy Agencies and Bio energy Networks like the Mesoamerican Network for Research and Development of Biofuels.

It is envisaged cooperation with CYTED and explore the possibilities for the creation of technological cooperation structures based in the critical mass emerged from the nets promoted through the activities by CYTED as well as other programmes in solar energy and wind energy

The creation and promotion of these networks are the first steps towards what in the medium or long term could become Technological Platforms on renewable energies.

3.2.2. Action for Networking and ExchangesCapacity building focusing efforts on human resources development through the promotion of the mobility programmes available for the exchange of EU-LAC scientists in EU and LAC universities and research organizations taking advantage of the schemes. IRSES and other existing instruments in Marie Curie and other national programmes to be promoted by LA Liaison Offices.

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3.2.3. Policy dialogue meetings and regulatory frameworksPublic policies and not the availability of resources will expand or constrain renewable energies development over the coming years and decades. Latin American countries have an important role in this future scenario since some of the best conditions exist for renewable energies deployment.

A program of workshops on different policy and regulatory aspects, to promote common views and best practices on specific issues to be developed through the INCONets. The priority objective is to promote policy convergence between Europe and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The priorities identified will serve as valuable input and should be taken into consideration for the future activities arranged under the new INCONet (observatories, workshops, joint calls)

3.2.4. A broader long-term strategy proposal for a framing pilot activity which may include a range of actions covering common cross-cutting topics identified in all areas -solar thermal energy, solar photovoltaic energy, bioenergy and wind energy. (ANNEX 5)

4. Other forms of cooperation

To facilitate the use of European research-technology infrastructure

To facilitate the personnel exchange (PhD students) between EU and LA research teams – IRSES and Marie Curie

To promote the creation of a Latin American Technology Platforms including all relevant stakeholders taking into consideration the European experience

5. Funding instruments

Existing instruments are to be the prime option since fresh funding will not be likely to be available due to the financial crisis in Europe.

Different funding institutions and agencies have been approached by the members of the WG expressed interest in the activities to be proposed.

Among the identified sources of finance by both Spain and Mexico, as co-leaders in the Renewable Energies Working Group expressed specific funding options:

• Ministry of Energy of Mexico - availability of funds from the Sustainable Energy Fund (Fondo de Sustentabilidad Energética) which could serve for pilot activities to be developed under the JIRI with the participation of Mexican groups. The FSE (for its acronym in Spanish), is an instrument created by the Government of Mexico to promote scientific research and applied technology, as well as the adoption, innovation, assimilation and technological development in four lines: energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, use of clean technologies and diversification of primary energy sources.

• The Ministry of Energy in Mexico reached an agreement with IADB ideas+the Mexican Sustainability Fund in Energy wherefrom a call for international cooperation projects on energy efficiency and renewable energies use for Mexican, Latin American and European institutions was launched. This call will be open again this year for innovative proposal aimed at increasing energy efficiency and access to renewable energies. The call is open to regional consortia coordinated by a Mexican legal entity for up to $400,000/project.

• IBEROEKA Innovation Projects as a tool designed to promote cooperation in technological research and development between industrial sector companies and which could be the seeds for future joint coordinated activities.

Instruments Joint calls for research, involving EU and different key LAC countries. Sustainable Energy Fund- Mexico (Fondo de Sustentabilidad Energética).

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National funding options up to what each country will be willing to collaborate with, in addition to other opportunities that may arise either from 7FP, the European Commission, BID, or/and other alternatives.

Other entities funding or working on renewable energies like GEEREF Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund, IRENA, AIE, etc, which activities will be taken into consideration for possible synergies

Other funding alternatives: InterAmerican Development Bank (IADB)Latin American Investment Facility (LAIF)

6. Indicators According to Under construction.

7. Self-assessment

- The cooperation in the working group has been supported mainly by Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Nicaragua y Costa Rica. Opportunity to reinforce the participation of Peru and other interested countries.

- The involvement of the members of the working group has been smooth and co-ordinated

- Active role of European Technology Platforms, strong commitment from the members from Spain

- Extremely good participation of Latin American and European experts in the activities supporting the WG

8. Next steps

Regarding pilot activities on renewable energies and its implementation it is recommended to bring together a small group of experts to further detail the topics to the level of call profiles.

If suitable and possible, co-leaders of the RE WG group could meet in parallel to the joint Innovation workshop coordinated by INCONets EULARINET & MIRA tentatively to be hold 16th and 17th April 2012 in Spain.

Representatives from the Commission could also attend these meeting in order to collaborate and agree on the formulation of recommendations on how to proceed with the implementation of pilot activities in RE.

Need of the guidance of the senior officials in their country, to launch a call for expressions of interest in participating in bi-regional cooperation in Renewable Energies activities be it by existing projects or in conjunction with new calls for funding.

Also, national funding schemes that could make a contribution to, and benefit from, bi-regional cooperation should be further explored.

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