Scotland is one of four regional partners in the newly-formed North Sea Energy Alliance (ENSEA), along with regions of Germany, The Netherlands, and Norway. A partnership of ETP, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Renewables is representing Scotland’s academic, public and industry interests in ENSEA.
Nearly €3million funding for developing this collaborative network has been provided from the European FP7 funding programme. The main goals of this project are to promote cooperation between public, private and academic sectors and to facilitate the development of knowledge on energy system integration and demand management.
By creating this strategic network, ENSEA aims to:
· Promote innovation in integrating sustainable, renewable energy into existing energy systems;
· Identify opportunities for strengthening the relationships within and between the regions through a Joint Action Plan;
· Develop collaborations for a Joint Demand-Driven Research Programme and research proposals within regional, national and Euro pean Research and Technical Development funding programmes (e.g. for Horizon 2020);
· Increase the competitiveness of research-driven energy clusters through better coordination and application of research;
· Develop and share knowledge on the transition to a sustainable and secure energy network.
The Scottish Partnership is leading the first stage of the developing the Alliance, though coordinating analysis of the regions’ current research and innovation relevant to energy systems integration. Analysis will involve a broad range of energy stakeholders, so that the partnership can help identify the region’s strengths and opportunities.
Further regional partners will be brought into the Alliance as it develops and opportunities for collaboration arise.
