ENERGY FUTURESThe role of research and technological development

European Union research is often perceived as mainly technology-driven. However, the EU FrameworkProgrammes also have a long tradition of socio-economic energy research. This activity plays a key rolein supporting policy-making with scientific results. Indicators, harmonisation of data, scenarios, quantitativeand qualitative tools and methodologies allow decision-makers to assess the impacts of variouspolicy options.In the field of energy, specific models and foresight methodologies have been developed such as theenergy modelling project SAPIENTIA, the world energy system analysis report WETO–H2, the Delphisurvey EURENDEL and the long–term back-casting approach VLEEM. These models and methodologieshelp to evaluate the potential impact of EU policies related to sustainable development and technologicalprogress...