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Energy RTD Information
Systems in the ERA
Directorate-General for Research
2005 Sustainable Energy Systems EUR 21613

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Table of Contents
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Page
Abbreviations and defi nitions ..............................................................................................................................5
Foreword .......................................................................................................................................................................................7
Management summary ................................................................................................................................................9
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Today’s situation regarding EU energy RTD information systems
is no longer satisfactory. To meet future challenges,
a clear structure and strengthening of coordination
and branding are needed ...................................................................................................................................... 19
There is lack of structure and connectivity
for EU energy RTD information systems ..............................................................................................................20
Energy RTD information systems is not specifi cally addressed as an issue ..........................................................20
No European one-stop-shop for energy RTD information .............................................................................................20
A common language is missing ................................................................................................................................................21
Co-operation and coordination between different stakeholders
in the European knowledge-value-chain of energy RTD is weak ................................................................................21
The variety of energy RTD information systems is
unknown to or not used by large groups of European users .................................................................22
Many existing information systems are unknown to users ............................................................................................22
Existing information systems are not appealing enough to potential users ...........................................................22
Most EU energy RTD information systems
only moderately match the EU user’s needs ......................................................................................................24
Accessibility of the systems is deemed crucial but requires improvement ...........................................................24
Content provided by the systems does not suffi ciently match the EU user’s needs .........................................26
There is imbalance in the availability
of energy RTD info systems at different levels ..................................................................................................29
Current branding, transparency and accessibility of
EU energy RTD information systems does not refl ect
the targets of a leading knowledge-based economy .................................................................................32
This situation requires both short- and medium-term actions .............................. 33
Defi ne a European strategy and roadmap
for energy RTD knowledge management ............................................................................................................33
Short-term action 1: launch the strategy formulation process ...................................................................................34
Short-term action 2: create a basic portal for European energy RTD ......................................................................35
Streamline knowledge management of existing
EC energy websites and of EC-funded energy RTD .....................................................................................36
3

4
Annexes ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Annex A – Questionnaire results ...................................................................................................................................37
Annex B – Selected examples of energy RTD information systems .................................................67
Annex C – Descriptions of 70 other examples of energy RTD information systems ..........97
Annex D – Interviews and advisory board .......................................................................................................... 107
Annex E – Spending on energy RTD according to IEA ............................................................................. 109
Annex F – Literature and sources ............................................................................................................................. 111
Annex G – US DOE’s Technical Information Management .................................................................... 113

Abbreviations and defi nitions
Energy Non-nuclear energy
EnR European Network of Energy Agencies
ERA European Research Area
E-RTD Energy RTD
EU European Union
IEA International Energy Agency
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Information
systems Web-based systems (websites, databases or combinations of both) that
have a substantial group of users with a certain level of accessibility
Portal A website with (hyper)links to other information systems
RTD Research and Technological Development (fundamental research, socioeconomic
research, industrial and applied research, and (pilot) demonstration
activities)
US DOE United States Department of Energy
5

Foreword
In order to fully benefi t from the new opportunities for networking, coordination
and co-operation offered by the European Research Area, scientists as well as
decision-makers involved in energy research need reliable and easily accessible
information on energy R&D at European level. This includes information such
as data on the state of the art of particular technologies, R&D projects, funding,
national policies, and strategies and actors throughout Europe.
Today these needs are not adequately met because of the enormous
heterogeneity of national and international information systems, characterised
by very diverse features (with respect to target groups, scope, geographical
coverage, language, and conditions for access) and because they are not
appropriately linked or connected.
Therefore, the European Commission launched a study on “Improving and
networking of Energy RTD Information Systems – assessing users’ needs”
(shortened to ‘Energy RTD infosystems’) which should analyse the current
situation of energy R&D-related information systems, compare it with users’
needs, and propose recommendations for improvement.
This report presents the results of the study. It is based on the responses
to the questionnaires sent out to experts (78 responses), the descriptions
of all identifi ed and assessed information systems, interviews held with key
stakeholders in the Member States, discussions with the advisory board,
and desk research. In order to discuss and validate the conclusions and
recommendations of the study, experts participated in a workshop which was
held on 15 December 2004 in Brussels. This event provided useful feedback
and comments which contributed to further enriching the content of the study
and its conclusions.
This work, carried out by Prospect Consulting and Services, addresses a
variety of stakeholders involved in programming, disseminating and performing
energy RTD. Both short- and long-term recommendations are proposed
which would ultimately lead to a more coherent and effi cient European energy
R&D information strategy and could contribute signifi cantly to improving the
effi ciency of national and European research in this fi eld.
We would like to thank everyone involved in this study for their co-operation.
Their input and information were of crucial importance for the quality and
relevance of the report.
Brussels, May 2005
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
7

Management summary
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Interchange of scientifi c knowledge is essential, for energy RTD as well
Spending on energy RTD is signifi cant. The IEA estimates that governments in IEA countries
spent €6.7 billion on energy RTD in 2000. The principal deliverables from this RTD are scientifi c
knowledge and technical results. Dissemination of both this knowledge and other energy RTDrelated
information is important for several reasons:
• Transfer of RTD output from the RTD actor to the actual user is crucial to ensure effective uptake
of the knowledge and to create dynamic, effective and effi cient innovation circumstances
• The actual RTD can be done more effi ciently as duplication of work is prevented and learning
curves can be steeper
• RTD actors can operate more effectively as they can learn from best (and worst) practices in
other countries
• Free interchange of ideas and criticism is essential for scientifi c and industrial progress and
public understanding, and to enlarge the fund of technical information
• The actual exchange of knowledge and information can take place in various ways, through
publication in scientifi c literature or journals, exchanges at scientifi c conferences, through direct
personal contact or co-operation, via press and media attention, through technical reports or
patents, or a combination of these. Web-based information systems facilitate this information
exchange and can increase the overall impact and productivity.
The trend towards increased collaboration and co-operation at EU level is fostered by EC
programmes and by the progressive implementation of the European Research Area call for
improved access to relevant information on all energy-related RTD activities and initiatives
prepared, carried out and evaluated in Europe.
Study aim: recommendations on the basis of a user assessment
The European Commission is currently investigating the most effective ways and means of
improving and networking energy RTD information systems, and asked Prospect Consulting
and Services SA, Brussels, to undertake the study Improving and Networking of Energy RTD
Information Systems – Assessing users’ needs.
The study aims to contribute to the improvement and increase of networking energy RTD
information systems by:
• Providing a well-documented assessment of user needs for energy RTD information systems,
at European level, and by
• Helping to identify (on the basis of this assessment) possible options towards user-friendly and
cost-effective networking of energy RTD information systems.
Energy RTD information systems are defi ned as web-based systems designed to provide a
relatively large group of users with energy RTD information. The study focuses on non-nuclear
energy RTD covering fundamental research, socio-economic research, industrial and applied
research, and (pilot) demonstration activities.
9

10
In order to gather the data for this study, Prospect C&S
• Circulated a questionnaire among users of energy RTD information systems located in the EU-
25 plus Norway and Switzerland
• Undertook a web search on and analysis of available energy RTD information systems
• Interviewed key stakeholders (users and providers of energy RTD information systems and
policy actors involved in energy, RTD and/or knowledge management) and experts from the
knowledge management community.
Central fi nding:
‘Today’s situation regarding EU energy RTD information systems is no longer satisfactory.
To meet future challenges, a clear structure and strengthening of coordination and branding
are needed.’
Over recent decades, the currently available web-based information systems and databases on
energy RTD have played an important role in disclosing and sharing information on energy RTD
at a national level. Their development contributed to the creation of national relevant information
networks and platforms. Some of the established international and European energy RTD
information systems also contributed to the co-operation and coordination of research activities
at these respective levels. A bottom-up growth process developed this information structure
more or less organically.
The individual systems and the overall structure of energy RTD information systems have reached
their intended structure and objectives. However, the situation has changed in recent years; the
focus of energy RTD has shifted from national to European and international level. At EU level
there is a need for energy RTD information systems that meet the future challenges of improved
collaboration and co-operation, as well as European and international competitiveness. These
challenges are fostered by EU programmes and by the progressive implementation of the
European Research Area (ERA). But the research community itself is also becoming more and
more focused on the international and European research arena, as national funding mechanisms
are becoming less self-evident.
Other – external – drivers for change:
• The role of the Internet in the RTD society is changing rapidly
• Innovation models of industry are changing more and more towards open collaboration
structures with preferred knowledge suppliers
• The energy RTD is entering a new phase of development – as a consequence of liberalisation
and a gradual maturing of the energy markets. As a result, decisions on starting new RTD and
making investments in innovation systems ask for a solid business rationale.
This new situation provides clear input for defi ning a roadmap towards a more coherent and
client-based European network of RTD information systems. Reasons which support reaching
the overall fi ndings are:

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
• There is a lack of structure and connectivity for EU energy RTD information systems
Lack of coherence and overall structure are weaknesses in the current situation for energy RTD
information systems. Almost everyone approached – respondents to the questionnaire and
interviewees – mentioned the lack of structure and overview. Sub-conclusions are:
• The issue of energy RTD information systems is not specifi cally addressed
• There is no European one-stop-shop for energy RTD information
• A common language is missing
• Co-operation and coordination between different stakeholders in the European knowledgevalue-chain
of energy RTD is weak
• The variety of energy RTD information systems is unknown to or not used by large groups
of European users
Many existing energy RTD information systems are unknown to users. Questionnaire
respondents know only a very limited number of the systems that are currently available.
Existing information systems seem insuffi ciently appealing to become used and known.
• The majority of EU energy RTD information systems only moderately match EU user needs
As can be seen from the fi gure below, the respondents express a moderate satisfaction with
today’s energy RTD information systems. The current situation of such systems does not meet
the needs of all EU users:
• The largest group (44%) of respondents gave a more or less neutral score (2-3) indicating
that the systems partly fulfi l their needs
• 8% of the respondents to the questionnaire stated that the current situation regarding
energy RTD information systems is (very) satisfactory
• 3% expressed their complete dissatisfaction with today’s systems.
Figure 1 – Satisfaction with current situation on Energy RTD information systems
Sub-conclusions are:
• The accessibility of energy RTD information systems is deemed crucial but requires improvement,
according to the respondents
• The content provided by energy RTD information systems does not suffi ciently match EU user
needs.
• There is an imbalance in the availability of energy RTD information systems at different levels
11

12
At international level, the IEA and the IEA member countries have realised several comprehensive
information systems relevant for energy RTD.
At EU level, there is no such central energy RTD information system. CORDIS provides
valuable information on EU RTD programmes and projects but it is relatively diffi cult to use and
does not have a clear focus. CORDIS encompasses all research fi elds in the EU Framework
Programmes and energy RTD is not distinguished. The Transport DG hosts several websites
which give access to energy RTD results under the EIE and precursor programmes, but access
is confusing, focus is on demonstration, full text documents on the RTD are not available
and the information is sometimes outdated. ManagEnergy is an interesting and professionally
managed initiative, although not directed to energy RTD but to the dissemination of EU policy
and good practice of new energy technologies and solutions. There are several other EU
websites that disclose energy RTD results but their actual status and purpose is unclear.
At national level, some EU countries have comprehensive energy RTD information systems
on-line. These countries are those that traditionally invest most in energy RTD. The identifi ed
national systems have different purposes.
Although some websites related to energy RTD exist in the ten new Member States,
comprehensive energy RTD information systems were not identifi ed in these countries,
although they house many energy RTD groups. Apparently, there is little priority given to webbased
energy RTD knowledge management or funding accountability. Current web-based
information systems are focused on access to European funding by giving support through
information on European RTD programmes, partner search facilities, and practical help with
establishing research proposals.
• The branding, transparency and accessibility of the current EU energy RTD information
systems does not refl ect the target of a leading knowledge-based economy
The establishment of the European Research Area, and the goal to become the most competitive
knowledge-based economy worldwide, implies (co-)leadership with respect to Japan, Canada
and the USA. It is recognised that these goals cannot be reached without a global perspective and
co-operation with the important players. These may be research ‘competitors’ but also concern
the new growth markets in developing and emerging countries, specifi cally Africa and Asia.
Looking at the current status of the European energy RTD information systems there is a strong
internal focus. Today, there is no leading European meeting place able to serve as a main portal
for non-EU citizens as a starting point for acquiring information on energy policy, European
research structure, and RTD results. Building an improved energy information structure should
go hand in hand with putting Europe on the international map (by external ‘marketing’).
Recommendations: This situation requires both short- and medium-term action
Today, the situation regarding EU energy RTD information systems is no longer satisfactory, and
a clear structure and strengthening of coordination and branding are needed in order to meet
future challenges. Currently, energy RTD information systems are fragmented across the EU, and
several initiatives launched or supported by the EU provide low-quality information. This clearly
requires some improvement. RTD users anticipate that the EU, as a leading knowledge-based

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
economy and a substantial investor in energy RTD, has an effective one-stop-shop energy RTD
information system in place.
In our view, a key feature of an effective energy RTD information system is that high-quality
(reviewed) detailed (full text) energy RTD information can be easily accessed (in English) through
the Internet (free of charge, easy navigation, good structure, instrumental search engine) with
large coverage (covering all energy RTD issues, one-stop-shop, covering EU- and Member-
State-funded RTD).
In our view, changing the current situation will require strong leadership by the European
Commission. We have identifi ed two areas for action that are detailed in the sections below:
Defi ne a European strategy and roadmap for energy RTD knowledge management
To be able to improve the current situation of energy RTD information systems in the long run, it is
crucial that a clear strategy and roadmap for energy RTD knowledge management be developed
by key stakeholders from the European Commission and the Member States.
To start this process, we have identifi ed two short-term actions:
• Short-term action 1: Launch the strategy formulation process
As the key stakeholder and problem owner of the current unsatisfactory situation of European
energy RTD information systems, it seems logical that the European Commission takes the
lead and launches the strategy formulation process, fi rst internally, and afterwards externally in
co-operation and consultation with external stakeholders.
The central goal is to develop and identify a common vision on how future European energy
RTD knowledge management should look and what it should deliver.
The goals for such energy RTD knowledge management could be as follows:
• Deliver the scientifi c knowledge generated by or relevant to EU energy RTD programmes
via cost-effective e-government information retrieval systems to government, university,
and industry users so as to provide free interchange of ideas and criticism which is
essential to scientifi c and industrial progress and public understanding and to enlarge the
fund of technical information
• Contribute to the EU’s overall information infrastructure through partnerships with
international organisations and knowledge-management initiatives such as the International
Energy Agency’s Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDE)
• Contribute to the EU’s overall information infrastructure through partnerships with Member
State initiatives on energy RTD knowledge management
• Enhance the creation of the energy ERA by interconnecting the European energy RTD
community.
13

14
• Short-term action 2: Create a basic portal for European energy RTD
In parallel with launching the strategy process, in our view the Commission should quickly
establish a basic European portal on energy RTD in order to break with the current unsatisfactory
situation. The main purpose of this basic portal would be to help users fi nd information that
exists elsewhere. The portal would link to national, European and international energy RTD
information systems and provide guidance on the information available in these systems.
Development and maintenance of such a basic portal will not require large fi nancial and time
resources. The work in the present study could be used as a starting point. A marketing budget
should be foreseen to attract the energy RTD community to use the portal.
If in line with the long-term strategy, this portal could be extended and evolve to ‘The European
energy RTD gateway’. In addition to the basic portal described above, this gateway would also
facilitate communication and knowledge sharing in the European energy RTD community. It
should become a lively tool for this community by offering functionalities such as an extensive
library, discussion forums, blogs, question-and-answer systems, ‘Yellow Pages’, personalised
news announcements, newsletters, a personalised environment, on-line team rooms, good
search functionality, etc. It will be crucial that users really use the tool.
Streamline knowledge management of EC energy websites and EC-funded energy RTD
Users and workshop attendees were clear about their expectations from EC websites and ECfunded
research: these websites should be streamlined (unifi ed, updated, upgraded). Furthermore,
the EC should apply stringent procedures to ensure that every single EC-funded energy RTD
project actively disseminates its results and publishes a fi nal report on the Commission’s
website.
We have identifi ed the following specifi c actions related to knowledge management of EC
websites and EC-funded RTD:
• Streamline the EC’s own information systems
• Streamline EC-funded external information systems
• Require peer-reviewed full text fi nal reports and articles of EC-funded energy RTD projects
• Put stringent procedures in place for dissemination within EC-funded projects
• Offer an EC website facility for EC-funded projects.
These activities are mainly of a procedural or organisational nature and do not require signifi cant
investments. The website facility does require an initial investment but this, in our view, is highly
effective since it avoids investments made by every single project consortium for the projectspecifi
c website, created with funds from EC RTD programmes.

Introduction
Background
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Government spending on energy RTD is substantial. The IEA estimates that governments in IEA
countries spent €6.7 billion on energy RTD in 2000.
The principal deliverables from this RTD are scientifi c knowledge and technical results.
Dissemination of this knowledge and other energy RTD-related information (research
organisations, RTD policy, RTD priorities, etc.) is important for several reasons:
• Transfer of the RTD output from the RTD actor to the actual user is crucial to create dynamic,
effective and effi cient innovation model
• The actual RTD can be done more effi ciently as duplication of work is prevented and learning
curves can be steeper
• Different actors (e.g. research and policy organisations) can operate more effectively as they
can learn from best (and worst) practices in other countries.
The recipients of energy RTD knowledge and information can be diverse: a research institute,
university, policy-maker, sector organisation or energy company. The actual exchange of
knowledge and information can take place in various ways, through publication in scientifi c
literature or journals, through exchange at scientifi c conferences, through direct personal contact
or co-operation, through press and media attention, through technical reports or patents, or a
combination of these. Web-based information systems facilitate this information exchange and
can increase the overall impact and productivity. Key contributions of web-based information
systems are:
• Creating direct access – most recipients, regardless of their industry, want to share knowledge
and speed up the fl ow of RTD data
• Offering search engines that assist in matching a specifi c search profi le with the information
stored in the database; tools for rapid navigation and selection can make sense of the data
offered
• Offering direct access to digitalised information, avoiding the handling of documents and
allowing effective use of available data
• Enabling a check of the intellectual property situation when starting new research
• Monitoring (competing) trends by watching RTD publications, patents and even employment
offers
• Connecting people, as contact profi les will include telephone and e-mail information
• Stimulating and accelerating the creation of new RTD projects. The databases can also be
used to fi nd partners offering unique and innovative technologies for joint commercialisation
• Avoiding the duplication of RTD, thus improving the overall effectiveness of the RTD energy
system
• Creation of virtual communities on energy RTD 1 . Create (new) RTD collaboration relationships.
Most energy RTD actors operate in long-term collaborative networks. Innovative industries
have started to invite their stakeholders to participate in the concept development of energy
systems to co-create new energy solutions.
1 The sociological term community should be understood here as meaning (1) a group of people (2) who share
social interaction (3) and have some common ties between themselves and the other members of the group (4)
and who share an area for at least some of the time. R.B. Hamman in “Computer Networks Linking Network
Communities”
15

16
The diversity of information sources or information systems made available to possible users on
energy RTD refl ects the diversity of national activities in this area, as well as the characteristics
of these activities: size and objectives of national programmes, if any, balance between
basic science, applied research and demonstration, organisations involved in the defi nition,
implementation and assessment of RTD work, etc.
The expected trends towards increased collaboration and co-operation at EU level fostered by
EC programmes and by the progressive implementation of the European Research Area call
for improved access to relevant information on all energy-related RTD activities and initiatives
prepared, carried out and evaluated in Europe.
Objective
The European Commission is currently investigating the most effective ways and means of
improving and networking energy RTD information systems, and asked Prospect Consulting
and Services SA, Brussels, to undertake the study Improving and Networking of Energy RTD
Information Systems – Assessing users’ needs. The study aims to contribute to the improvement
of and increase in networking energy RTD information systems by:
• Providing a well-documented assessment of user needs for energy RTD information systems,
at European level
• Helping to identify (on the basis of this assessment) possible options towards user-friendly and
cost-effective networking of energy RTD information systems.
Actions undertaken
In order to gather the data for this study, Prospect C&S:
• Launched a questionnaire amongst users of energy RTD information systems located in the
EU-25 plus Norway and Switzerland
• Undertook a web search on available energy RTD information systems
• Interviewed key stakeholders (users and providers of energy RTD information systems and
policy actors involved in energy, RTD and/or knowledge management) and experts from the
knowledge management community
• Collaborated in organising an expert workshop in Brussels where the preliminary conclusions
and recommendations were discussed.
Seventy-eight (78) respondents involved in energy RTD fi lled in the questionnaire. This number is
not suffi cient to draw statistically justifi able conclusions but, in parallel with the other input, provided
a valid information basis for the study. The conclusions and recommendations laid down in this
report are based on a mixture of respondents’ input, scientifi c literature, web search, interviews,
independent analysis, advisory board feedback, and stakeholder workshop feedback.
Scope
For the purpose of the study, energy RTD information systems are defi ned as web-based systems
that have a large group of users with a certain level of accessibility. The study focuses on nonnuclear
energy RTD covering fundamental research, socio-economic research, industrial and
applied research, and (pilot) demonstration activities.

Reporting
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
The main results of the study are presented in this report. The central fi ndings are that “Today’s
situation regarding EU energy RTD information systems is no longer satisfactory. To meet future
challenges, a clear structure and strengthening of coordination and branding are needed” and
that “this situation requires both short- and medium-term action”. This is detailed hereafter
respectively in chapter 1 and chapter 2.
Full results are included in the annexes of this report:
• The results of the questionnaire (Annex A)
• Data sheets of 25 selected examples of web-based energy RTD information systems (Annex B)
• Brief descriptions of 70 other web-based energy RTD information systems and websites
related to energy RTD (Annex C).
Additional supporting annexes are also attached:
• Interviews and Advisory Board (Annex D)
• Spending on energy RTD according to IEA (Annex E)
• Literature and sources (Annex F)
• US DOE’s Technical Information Management (Annex G).
17

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Today’s situation regarding EU energy RTD information
systems is no longer satisfactory. To meet future
challenges, a clear structure and strengthening of
coordination and branding are needed.
The currently available web-based information systems and databases on energy RTD have
played an important role in disclosing and sharing information on energy RTD at national level in
the past decades. In retrospect, their development contributed to the creation of relevant national
information networks and platforms. Some of the established international and European focused
energy RTD information systems have already contributed to the co-operation and coordination
of research activities at these levels.
The current information structure was developed more or less organically by a bottom-up growth
process in the last decades. The individual systems and the overall structure of energy RTD
information systems have reached their intended structure and objectives. However the situation
has changed in recent years. At EU level there is a need for energy RTD information systems that
meet the future challenges of improved collaboration and co-operation but also European and
international competitiveness. These challenges are certainly fostered by EU programmes and
by the progressive implementation of the European Research Area (ERA). But also the research
community itself is more and more focused on the international and European research arena,
as national funding mechanisms are becoming less self-evident.
Other – external – drivers for change are:
• The role of the internet in the RTD society is rapidly changing.
• Innovation models of industry are changing more and more towards open collaboration
structures with preferred knowledge suppliers.
• The energy RTD is entering a new phase of development – as a consequence of liberalisation
and gradual maturing of the energy markets. As result, decisions on starting new RTD and
making investments in innovation systems ask for a solid business rationale.
This entirely new situation provides clear input for defi ning a roadmap towards a more coherent
and client-based European network of RTD information systems.
Based on the questionnaire, the analysis of the available energy RTD information systems, the
interviews and desk research, the overall conclusion is that the current situation is no longer
satisfactory for the future and potentially needs improvement.
Supporting reasons for this overall conclusion are:
• There is lack of structure and connectivity for EU energy RTD information systems.
• The variety of energy RTD information systems is unknown to or not used by large groups of
European users.
• Most EU energy RTD information systems only moderately match the EU user’s needs.
• There is imbalance in the availability of energy RTD info systems.
• Current branding, transparency and accessibility of EU energy RTD information systems does
not refl ect the targets of a leading knowledge-based economy.
19

20
Only 8% of the respondents to the questionnaire judged that the current situation of energy RTD
information systems in Europe fi tted their needs in the top two categories (annex A, question 17).
Specifi c areas of improvement were mentioned: overall structure (15 times), on-site search (10),
comparability of data (7), information on current RTD projects (6), quality of data (6), information
on the impact of projects/research results (5), user friendliness (3), and unavailability of data due
to confi dentiality (2) (Annex A, question 18).
The following paragraphs will discuss in more detail the underlying facts for these conclusions.
There is lack of structure and connectivity for EU energy RTD
information systems
Clearly, lack of coherence and overall structure are weaknesses in the current situation on energy
RTD information systems. Almost all persons approached, respondents to the questionnaire and
interviewees mentioned lack of structure and overview.
Energy RTD information systems is not specifi cally addressed as an issue
With respect to responsibility for the subject, targeted audiences, scope and geographic
coverage of energy RTD information systems the situation is diffuse. There are many different
websites that include information on energy RTD. Most systems have a wider scope and cover
either energy or RTD in a more generic way. Only a few information systems focus entirely on
energy RTD: research and technological development on all aspects of energy systems. This
is due to the fact that energy RTD knowledge management is dealt with by different policy and
policy execution organisations. Also, many information systems are not created in isolation and
are part of broader (dissemination) strategies.
In Germany, for example, four federal Ministries are involved in energy RTD:
• Energy RTD in general is part of BMWA (Ministry of Economics and Labour).
• Renewable energy is part of BMU (Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and
Nuclear Safety).
• Biomass and bio-energy is part of BMVEL (Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and
Agriculture).
• Overall RTD policy is the responsibility of BMBF (Ministry of Education and Research).
This diffuse situation is a practical hurdle for targeted policy and focused actions that can improve
the coherence of energy RTD information systems at national and European or international levels.
No European one-stop-shop for energy RTD information
At present there is no European portal on energy RTD that functions as a gateway to energy RTD
sites across Europe. At EU level many different websites exist related to energy RTD but they only
cover a small part of the entire subject. The Research DG energy website mainly informs on EU
energy RTD policy. DG TREN’s websites inform on EU demonstration programmes and results.
CORDIS informs on RTD programmes and projects in the Framework Programmes but does not
focus on energy. There are in addition several national websites that give energy RTD information
(e.g. in Italy, France, the Netherlands and the UK). At international level, a comprehensive set
of energy RTD information systems exists (IEA ETDEWEB, IEA implementing agreements, IEA
information centre, IEA Caddet and Greentie).

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Respondents to the questionnaire mention the lack of portals as a reason that searches for
specifi c information are time consuming and in many cases produce unreliable information. A
user interface for specifi c target groups is missing in many cases.
A common language is missing
Assessment of the identifi ed information systems shows that there is no common language.
Themes, technologies and issues are not characterised by the same terminology and defi nitions.
The variety of languages in which the information is provided makes things even more complicated.
Only in rare cases are references made to standard classifi cations (e.g. international energy
classifi cation applied in the German ENergy TEChnology or ENTEC database, see Annex C).
Co-operation and coordination between different stakeholders in the European
knowledge-value-chain of energy RTD is weak
Successful dissemination and exploitation of results of energy RTD projects is in the interest of
both the RTD producer and the RTD community as a whole, and also can serve the economic,
technological and social benefi ts for society and the energy industry.
Dissemination or sharing of knowledge is a crucial step in the knowledge-value-chain that
consists of the following activities, which can be performed in a linear way or in more interactive
and circular ways (Weggeman, 2000 2 ):
• Creating knowledge
• Disseminating/sharing knowledge
• Acquiring and using/applying knowledge
• Evaluating knowledge.
Individual attributes of science and technology include the intrinsic intangible nature of research
and knowledge, the risks and uncertainty involved in the energy RTD process, the time lags
operating between RTD execution and the observation of the impact, the diversity of forms in
which outcomes can manifest and the continuously changing patterns of science and technology.
All these factors make it diffi cult to evaluate the contribution of existing energy RTD information
systems. However, they have positively contributed to strengthening the crucial and traditionally
weak transfer points in the knowledge-value-chain, including:
• Transfer of knowledge from one project to another project
• Transfer of knowledge from one research team to another, often competing, team
• Transfer of knowledge from research to industry and policy.
However, although the share of knowledge is crucial, as demonstrated above, and although
the European and international share of knowledge is becoming more and more important in
view of the international challenges to the energy industry and the ongoing strengthening of
European and international energy RTD, the project team could establish only few European and
supranational co-operation and coordination initiatives aimed at dissemination of energy RTD.
These examples are:
• EnR (European Energy Network): EnR is an informal network that works on a voluntary basis.
Co-operation and coordination between these RTD programme management organisations
appears however to be relatively poor, as confi rmed by the interviewees
2 Weggeman M.C.D.P. (2000): “Knowledge management in practice (Dutch)”, Scriptum
21

22
• Nordic Energy Index: The Nordic Energy Index is a system that discloses basic information on energy
RTD funded by Scandinavian governments. Knowledge sharing is the basic driver for this system
• IEA initiatives: The IEA ETDEWEB and IEA Implementing Agreements in particular focus
on disseminating energy RTD information. However, the effectiveness of these activities is
sometimes criticised3 . Recently a plan and activities were established to improve knowledge
management activities.
Some other initiatives exist at project level. Examples are the EU Agores website, the EU Atlas
website and the EU HyWeb initiatives aiming to create information platforms on renewable energy,
energy RTD and hydrogen and fuel cells respectively (see Annex C). However, these initiatives
are restricted in duration and scope. People work hard to meet clear but restricted objectives and
to produce practical output within the budget or their project. A website is produced in relative
isolation even if some coordination and co-operation in dissemination of the created knowledge
is obligatory within the boundaries of the co-operation project or programme.
As a metaphor, today’s situation can be characterised as small islands of energy RTD information
in the wide ocean. This situation might partly be due to the competition between stakeholders
but is surely also due to the fact that co-operation and coordination of knowledge management
is not (yet) regarded as crucial and as having advantages for all European stakeholders in the
medium or long term.
In our view, for the future, the existing islands should be anchored and nourished and strong
bridges or rapid ferries should be realised to connect these islands of knowledge. Co-operation
and coordination should be stimulated between the different stakeholder groups of energy
RTD (such as research organisations, research programme management organisations, policy
organisations and information system operators) active in these fi elds across Europe. The
establishment of virtual networks or ‘Technology Platforms’, currently developed on CORDIS, is
a fi rst step in this direction.
The variety of energy RTD information systems is unknown to or not
used by large groups of European users
Many existing information systems are unknown to users
When analysing the energy RTD information systems mentioned by the respondents of the
questionnaire4 and the information systems that were identifi ed by the researchers of this project5 it is obvious that many information systems are still relatively unknown to the majority of the
target groups.
Table 1 – Number of known energy RTD information systems
Mentioned by respondents of questionnaire Total identifi ed
55 93
Existing information systems are not appealing enough to potential users
When looking at information systems it emerges that fi ve of them are commonly known, the rest
are only occasionally mentioned.
3 PricewaterhouseCoopers (2002): ‘Evaluation of the Dutch participation to Implementing Agreements’, Utrecht,
2002 (‘Evaluatie van de Nederlandse deelname aan Implementing Agreements’)
4 Annex A, question 20
5 Annex B and Annex C

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
The best-known information systems are CORDIS (mentioned by 31% of the respondents), DG
TREN (8%), Europe (5%), Managenergy (5%) and IEA (4%). The rest of the information systems
were mentioned once or twice (see fi gure below).
Figure 1 – Information systems mentioned by questionnaire respondents
A combination of reasons emerges for this:
• Detailed information is not provided in a language mastered by the user;
• Websites often do not have a clearly defi ned targeted user group or user group targeted
subsections
• Due to the many different and often overlapping (content) information systems, users are
overwhelmed by the available information and cannot (easily) fi nd the information they want
• Websites only provide abstracts and do not give access to full text reports or articles, and to
peer-reviewed information
• In general, representatives of industry and policy rarely make use of the information systems;
it is not part of their system and scope.
Some national systems have an English user interface and/or offer English abstracts (such as
REG Nordic index, AT Energytech.at, DE research portal). Other systems are only available in
the native language (such as NL NOVEM, IT CESI RdS, SE STEM and SE Varmeforsk). Full text
reports of nationally funded energy RTD are generally only available in the national language.
Some information systems only provide information on grant programmes: how to apply for
funding, which projects were approved (thus providing justifi cation of public spending), etc.
Although this is a valuable and legitimate reason for disseminating information it has limited
value for other potential energy RTD stakeholders. The information provided is often concise and
administrative and fails to report the actual RTD execution, impact and results of the projects
and programmes.
23

24
Most EU energy RTD information systems only moderately match
the EU users’ needs
As can be seen from the fi gure below, the respondents express a moderate satisfaction with
today’s energy RTD information systems. Clearly, the current situation of energy RTD information
systems does not meet the needs of all EU users:
• The largest group (44%) of respondents gave a more or less neutral score (2-3) expressing that
the systems partly fulfi l their needs
• 8% of the respondents to the questionnaire reported that the current situation of energy RTD
information systems is (very) satisfactory
• 3% expressed their complete dissatisfaction with today’s systems.
Figure 2 – Satisfaction with current situation on Energy RTD information systems
This average score is valid for:
• The overall structure of energy RTD information systems and familiarity with specifi c systems
• The accessibility of the content of known websites
• The quality of the information that can be retrieved.
A user will assess the current situation in a step-like approach. The third criteria can only be
judged when the second is met, the second only when the fi rst is met.
Accessibility of the systems is deemed crucial but requires improvement
Respondents see ‘user interface’ and ‘fast access’ as the most important user features (see
Figure 3). These are strongly related to ‘search facility’ and ‘clear structure’ which were mentioned
as important web-features of the Information Systems (Figure 4).

Figure 3 – Importance of user features
Figure 4 – Preferred web features
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
In the questionnaire, respondents were asked to indicate the areas for improvement. Half of the
respondents provided suggestions; the table below shows the results. Most often mentioned are
improvements of the overall structure and of the search function.
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26
Table 2 – Specifi c areas for improvement
Area for improvement Times mentioned
1 Overall structure 15
2 On-site search 10
3 Comparability of data 7
4 Information on current RTD projects 6
5 Quality of data 6
6 Information on the impact of projects/research results 5
7 User-friendliness 3
8 Unavailability of data due to confi dentiality 2
The language of user interface and content are also decisive factors for the level of access of
the information systems. In general, full text reports of nationally funded energy RTD are only
available in the native language – sometimes management summaries in English are included.
Some systems have an English user interface and include English abstracts for all or some of the
RTD information included (such as AT Energytech.at, DE research portal, FR IFP database, REG
Nordic index, UK EPRSC). Other systems are exclusively in the national language (user interface
and abstracts, such as NL NOVEM, IT CESI RdS, SE STEM and SE Varmeforsk).
In our view, in the long run, web-based energy RTD information systems should contain full text
RTD articles and reports in English. Providing abstracts and user interfaces in English facilitates
sharing of knowledge but this is not suffi cient for the end-user. The information provided in an
abstract is too general for the end-user to assess whether the RTD is interesting enough to be
analysed in detail. This puts a barrier on the disclosure of the RTD information: the user should
make contact with the source of interest in order to assess whether the RTD information merits
detailed analysis.
Content provided by the systems does not suffi ciently match the EU users’ needs
The respondents of the questionnaire consider quality and timeliness of information on the
European energy RTD information systems as highly important (see Table 2).
Inadequacies indicated by respondents are:
• Non-comparability of data from different information systems and or countries
• Low quality of the data provided (which is assessed as highly important, see fi gure 5)
• Lack of information on ongoing RTD projects
• Lack of information on the impact of completed projects and research results.

Figure 5 – Relative importance for aspects of information content
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
A number of information systems have installed mechanisms to provide information of guaranteed
high quality:
• Reputable Austrian research institutes assure the quality of the content of the energy technology
sites of Energytech.at
• The scientifi c search engine Scirus claims high quality from the fact that it draws predominantly
on scientifi c sources and peer-reviewed scientifi c journals
• In other cases all government-funded RTD is peer-reviewed (e.g. in the UK)
• IEA ETDEWEB and US DOE TIM claim high quality through the stringent information quality
procedures that are applied.
However, in most energy RTD information systems (as listed in Annexes B and C) the quality
system is only implicit. The user is kept in doubt about the actual status and quality of the
reports and abstracts presented. These systems do not make any reference to information
upload and quality procedures. A general observation is that many funding programme-related
systems primarily contain information extracted from the project descriptions submitted. These
texts describe “what the RTD will (ideally) achieve” instead of “what the RTD has achieved”. As
project descriptions are written to acquire funding, they often lack scientifi c and technical details
and also objectivity (sketching too positive panoramas).
Large differences also exist on update frequency of the energy RTD information systems. The
difference is between sustained and professionally managed initiatives and occasional initiatives.
Professionally managed systems have well-defi ned procedures about the update frequency.
Systems driven by accountability of funding typically update once a year, when the new funding
projects are known. It is remarkable is that some systems, developed with EU funding, are
no longer updated but still available on the web. Examples are EU Atlas, EU Agores and EU
Euronex.
There are large differences in coverage of energy RTD. IEA ETDEWEB provides the largest
database: it gives access to 3.4 million bibliographic records on energy RTD provided by the 16
participating IEA member countries. The table below gives insight in the coverage of energy RTD
of systems for which data are available.
27

28
Table 3 – Energy RTD coverage in different energy RTD information systems
# of items Specifi cation
Database
IEA ETDEWEB 3 400 000 # of records in the database
US DOE TIMP 2 000 000 # of citations in the database (2004 target)
DE Entec 700 000 # of citations in the database
EU Esp@cenet 100 000 # of patents with keyword ‘energy’
EU CORDIS 38 137 # of citations in database related to ‘energy’
FR IFP database 17 000 # of records of publications in the database
REG Nordic energy index 12 000 # of references in the database
INT Greentie 5 000 # of suppliers relevant to GhG in database
INT Caddet 1 600 # of case studies in Caddet info store
NL NOVEM 1 475 # of records in project database related to ‘energy’
EU EIE 626 # of project descriptions in database
UK EPRSC database
Search engine
370 # of references related to the power sector
INT Scirus (web pages) 5 600 000 # of web results of a search with keyword ‘energy’
INT Scirus (journal) 1 300 000 # of journal results of a search with keyword ‘energy’
DE research portal 150 000 # of results of a search with keyword ‘energy’
Regarding the level of detail, some systems provide direct access to the source documents.
Others only contain abstracts and refer to the author for further information. There are incomplete
data on the number of full-text RTD reports and articles that are available through the information
systems; the table below presents the data that were available for four information systems.
Scirus leads: on subscription it gives full-text access to 1.3 million articles in scientifi c journals
that refer to ‘energy’ 6 . Note the target of 75 000 full-text scientifi c and technical reports in 2004
requiring substantial effort from the US DOE TIM programme.
Table 4 – Full text reports or articles on energy RTD in different energy RTD information systems
# of full text
reports/articles
Specifi cation
Database
EU Esp@cenet 100 000 # of patents with keyword ‘energy’
US DOE TIMP 75 000 2004 target for full text scientifi c and technical docs
FR IFP database 17 000 Number of publications
EU CORDIS 16 059 Number of documents related to ‘energy’
EU ManagEnergy 650 Number of reports on site
NL NOVEM 0 There are only abstracts in this project database
INT Caddet 0 There are only abstracts in this Caddet info store
EU EIE 0 There are only abstracts in this database
REG Nordic energy index 0 There are only abstracts in this database
UK EPRSC database 0 There are only abstracts in this database
IEA ETDEWEB ? Unknown
DE Entec
Search engine
? Unknown
INT Scirus (journal) 1 300 000 Number of journal articles referring to ‘energy’
DE research portal ? Unknown
6 Note that in 2002 the US TIMP programme abandoned their PubSCIENCE tool that provided researchers and
science-attentive citizens access via the web with bibliographic records of peer-reviewed journal literature
relating to DOE-supported work. After analysing the availability of freely searchable journal citations available
via the web through secondary information providers Scirus and Infotrieve, TIM concluded that these private
sector products fulfi lled the needs in coverage at no cost to users.

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Data on the usage of energy RTD information systems is rarely disclosed. Within the scope of the
study some data could be collected; the table below presents the available information.
Table 5 – Usage of energy RTD information systems
Downloads
# Specifi cation
US DOE TIMP
User transactions
260 000 Downloads of full text reports per year
INT Scirus (journal) 1 000 000 Unique users per month (not focused on energy RTD)
US DOE TIMP 500 000 User transactions TIM’s info systems per month 2001
ManagEnergy 15 000 Visitors per month
There is imbalance in the availability of energy RTD info systems at
different levels
At international level, the IEA and the IEA member countries have realised several comprehensive
information systems relevant for energy RTD:
• The IEA ETDEWEB system
• The IEA Implementing Agreements websites
• The IEA information centre
• The IEA/OECD’s initiatives Caddet and Greentie.
ETDEWEB is clearly the information system of reference; many national websites on energy RTD
link to ETDEWEB.
At EU level, there is no such central energy RTD information system. CORDIS provides
valuable information on EU RTD programmes and projects but is relatively diffi cult to use and
does not have a clear focus; it encloses all research fi elds of the EU framework programmes
and energy RTD is not distinguished. DG TREN manages several websites that give access
to energy RTD results under the EIE and precursor programmes, but access is confusing, the
focus is on demonstration, full text documents on the RTD are not available and the information
is sometimes outdated. ManagEnergy is an interesting and professionally managed initiative,
though not directed to energy RTD but to dissemination of EU policy and good practice of new
energy technologies and solutions. There are several other EU websites that disclose energy
RTD results but their actual status and purpose is unclear. Table 6 below presents examples of
EU energy RTD information systems and energy RTD related websites.
29

30
Table 6 – Examples of EU energy RTD information systems and energy RTD related websites
EU sites
Web address Description
EU Atlas http://europa.eu.int/
comm/energy_transport/
atlas/home.html
Launched with the aim of establishing an information
base to support energy RTD strategy. Outdated.
EU CORDIS www.cordis.lu Website on EU RTD programmes and EU-sponsored RTD
projects. Relatively diffi cult to use. No focus on energy
RTD. The FP6 page on energy informs on FP6 priorities
but no further information.
EU CORDIS
Ergo
EU CORDIS
technology
platforms
EU DG
Research
energy website
EU DG TREN
energy website
www.cordis.lu/ergo Ergo pilot website: your one-stop-shop for European R&D
project information. Holds 91 093 project records from
21 information providers. Started in 1997, made public
in 1998, last information dates from 1999. Search facility
does not work. Seems outdated.
http://www.cordis.lu/
technology-platforms
http://www.europa.
eu.int/comm/research/
energy/index_en.htm
http://www.europa.
eu.int/comm/energy/
index_en.html
EU EIE http://europa.eu.int/
comm/energy/intelligent/
index_en.html
EU JRC Stresa
ODIN
http://odmd.jrc.nl/index.
html
Sub-site of CORDIS under development. Will bring
together stakeholders at European level to defi ne a
common research agenda mobilising a critical mass of
national and European public and private resources. The
European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform is
one of the technology platforms.
Website providing information on the objectives, activities
and policies of EU energy research.
Website informing European energy policy issues and
providing links to sites of EU energy support programmes
including FP6, EIE, Managenergy and precursor programmes
such as Altener, Save, Synergy, Carnot, Etap and Sure.
EIE programme information. EIE focuses on promotion,
dissemination and market introduction of new energy
technologies and energy effi ciency measures. Website
gives access to projects funded under the Altener and
Save programmes on a specifi c subject.
Online Data and Information Network for Energy of the
JRC Institute for Energy (IE-Petten). Developed for the
EU energy research community, both for nuclear and
conventional energy. Holds engineering databases and
document management sites.
Sites of EU sponsored activities
EU Agores www.agores.org Reportedly designed as the most extensive European
information centre and knowledge gateway for renewable
energy. Outdated.
EU ENER http://www.eu.fhg.de/
ENER/Enerhome.htm
The European Network for Energy Economics Research
(ENER) is a network of energy research institutes.
Organisation sponsored by the EU. Mainly presents ENER
and its activities.
EU ENR www.enr-network.org EnR (European Energy Network) is a voluntary association
of energy agencies and other organisations in 19
European countries. Website informs on projects; focus is
on policy implementation.
EU Eurorex www.eurorex.com Website set up to promote renewable energy in Europe.
Outdated.
EU HyWeb www.hydrogen.org Claims to be the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Information
System in the Internet. Supported by the European
Commission. Database with 618 projects to date.
EU
ManagEnergy
EU OPET
network
www.managenergy.net Website aimed to disseminates results of RTD and
demonstration projects to the local level. Professionally
managed; grown to 15 000 visitors per month.
www.opet-network.net Website informing on the activities of the OPET network:
furthers the deployment of innovative technologies and
increase the pace of market uptake of research that
supports EU energy policy priorities.

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
At regional level, the project team has identifi ed two energy RTD information systems that are
the fruit of co-operation in the Nordic countries:
• REG Nordic Energy Index: this database discloses basic information on energy RTD funded
by Scandinavian governments. Knowledge sharing is the basic driver for this system
• REG Nordic Energy Research website: this website basically informs on the activities of the
Nordic Energy Research programme.
At national level, some EU countries have comprehensive energy RTD information systems
online. These countries are those that traditionally invest most in energy RTD. The identifi ed
national systems have different purposes.
• National hub for energy RTD: Some systems aim to be a national hub for energy RTD, linking
international with national energy RTD developments, and promoting application of new energy
technologies. Examples are the Austrian and Swiss systems
• Funding accountability: Accountability seems to be the predominant driver of systems that
disclose basic project information such as objectives and abstract (sometimes also results),
i.e. the Danish, Dutch and UK systems identifi ed
• National use only: Some systems are for national use only as they are exclusively available in
the national language. This is for instance the case for the energy RTD information systems
identifi ed in Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden, even if these systems report on some specifi c
energy RTD projects in English
• Use by English-speaking users possible: Other systems have at least user interface in English
and in the national language, sometimes also abstracts, rarely however the full text. The value
for foreign users is therefore limited. The German and French systems are exceptions here as
they give access to a signifi cant amount of full-text RTD documents in English. The UK system
is in English, of course, but does not contain full text documents, only abstracts.
Table 7 – Examples of energy RTD information systems in the Member States and Switzerland
Country Energy RTD information systems
Austria Energytech.at
Switzerland ENET
Germany German research portal
Denmark DEA website
France IFP publication database
Italy CESI RdS database
Netherlands NOVEM website
Sweden STEM website, Varmeforsk website
United Kingdom EPRSC database
Though some websites related to energy RTD exist in the ten new Member States, comprehensive
energy RTD information systems were not identifi ed in these countries, although they house
many energy RTD groups. Apparently there is little priority for web-based energy RTD knowledge
management or funding accountability. Current web-based information systems focus on access
to European funding by support with information on European RTD programmes, partner search
facilities and practical help with establishing research proposals.
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32
Current branding, transparency and accessibility of EU energy RTD
information systems does not refl ect the targets of a leading
knowledge-based economy
The establishment of the European Research Area, and the goal to become the most competitive
knowledge-based economy worldwide, implies (co-)leadership with Japan, Canada and the
USA. It is recognised that these goals cannot be reached without a global perspective and cooperation
with the important players. These can be the research ‘competitors’ but also the new
growth markets in developing and emerging countries in specifi cally Africa and Asia.
Looking at the current status of the European energy RTD information systems there is a strong
internal focus. Today, there is no leading European meeting place to serve as a main portal
for non-EU persons as a starting point for acquiring information on energy policy, structure of
European research and RTD results. Building an improved energy information structure should
go hand in hand with putting Europe on the international map (by external ‘marketing’).
Many respondents and interviewees refer to the USA’s situation as a role model for Europe.
Access to government-funded energy RTD is ensured in the USA by the Technical Information
Management Programme (TIMP) of the US Department of Energy that collects, preserves, and
disseminates the scientifi c and technical information of the DOE for use by the DOE, the scientifi c
community, academia, US industry, and the public, to expand the knowledge base of science
and technology. The TIMP annual budget is €6 million, being 0.1% of the €6 billion annual
energy RTD budget of the DOE. Both accountability and increased productivity of energy RTD
are the drivers behind the TIMP. DOE’s unit in Oak Ridge Tennessee is in charge of TIMP; this unit
also operates the IEA ETDEWEB database. Annex I contains a summary of the TIMP.

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
This situation requires both short- and medium-term
actions
The previous chapter describes how today’s situation in EU energy RTD information systems is
no longer satisfactory, and that a clear structure and strengthening of coordination and branding
are needed in order to meet future challenges. It is also demonstrated that, at present, energy
RTD information systems are fragmented across the EU, and that several initiatives launched or
supported by the European Commission provide low quality information on energy RTD.
The current situation clearly asks for improvement. European energy RTD users (researchers,
policy-makers, industry, NGOs and the general public) want Europe, as a leading knowledgebased
economy and a substantial investor in energy RTD, to have an effective one-stop-shop
energy RTD information system in place. The same applies to non-European energy RTD users.
In our view, an effective energy RTD information system would enhance the creation of a European
energy RTD community and thereby the ERA. Such a system (new or existing, but moving on
from the current situation) should make it possible for European users to:
• Find energy information of all sorts (RTD results, running projects, RTD policies, RTD
programmes, RTD institutions, stakeholders and etcetera) in a structured, non-Google,
way. This information should be high quality (reviewed), detailed (full text, when RTD results
concerned), easily accessible by all users (in English) through the Internet (free of charge, easy
navigation, good structure, instrumental search engine) with a large coverage (covering all
energy RTD issues, one-stop-shop, covering EU and Member State funded RTD)
• Find, meet and communicate with other persons of the European energy RTD community.
In our view non-European users should also be able to meet and connect to the European energy
RTD community and to make use of its wealth of knowledge and its participatory opportunities.
This would enhance ad hoc co-operation and coalitions between European and non-European
stakeholders and thereby strengthen the position of Europe as a leading knowledge-based
economy.
Changing the current situation will call upon strong leadership of the European Commission. We
identifi ed two areas for action that are detailed in the sections below:
• Defi ne a European strategy and roadmap for energy RTD knowledge management
• Streamline knowledge management of EC energy websites and EC funded energy RTD
Defi ne a European strategy and roadmap for energy RTD knowledge
management
To be able to improve the current situation of energy RTD information systems in the long run, it
is crucial that a clear strategy and roadmap for energy RTD knowledge management is going to
be developed by key stakeholders from the European Commission and the Member States.
Developing this strategy and roadmap will need a structured approach with participation from all
stakeholders related to energy RTD. Persons with backgrounds in energy RTD policy, knowledge
management and information technology should have a dedicated task to improve the current
situation. This European strategy and roadmap should describe the key steps and responsibilities
towards coherent and interconnected EU energy RTD information systems in the future. The
33

34
main questions to be answered in the strategy and roadmap are included in the table below. The
roadmap process (especially in the beginning) should increase the awareness of the need and
potential to improve today’s systems.
Table 8 – Main questions to be answered by the strategy and roadmap
Main questions:
• What must we realise (what are our underlying targets)?
• What do we want to realise (which obstacles are there)?
• What can we realise (based on the restraints and boundary conditions)?
Underlying questions:
• Where and by whom is energy RTD knowledge created?
• How and in which form can this knowledge be disseminated?
• What is the optimal form for users for reception and use of knowledge?
• What are the current user needs, specifi ed per different user group?
• How can the user-friendliness, reliability and recognition of knowledge be improved?
• What are the organisational conditions to be met?
• How does this strategy fi t into the current situation?
• What will be the roles of currently active actors?
• Which cultural and behavioural aspects play a crucial role in the creation, sharing/dissemination
and acquiring/using of knowledge?
The development of this strategy and roadmap is a process that will take some time. The European
Commission should be the facilitator of this process. The Commission should initiate and lead
the process of formulating a strategy and roadmap towards coherent and interconnected EU
energy RTD information systems, and ensure their implementation afterwards.
To start this process we have identifi ed two short-term actions:
• Launch the strategy formulation process
• Create a basic portal for European energy RTD.
Short-term action 1: launch the strategy formulation process
As the key stakeholder and problem owner of the current unsatisfactory situation of European
energy RTD information systems, it seems logical that the European Commission should take
the lead and launch the strategy formulation process, fi rst internally, and afterwards externally in
cooperation and consultation with external stakeholders.
The central goal is to develop and identify a common vision of what future European energy RTD
knowledge management should look like and what it should deliver.
The goals for such energy RTD knowledge management could be as follows:
• Deliver the scientifi c knowledge generated by or relevant to EU energy RTD programmes
via cost-effective e-government information retrieval systems to government, university, and
industry users so as to provide free interchange of ideas and criticism which is essential to
scientifi c and industrial progress and public understanding and to enlarge the fund of technical
information

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
• Contribute to the EU’s overall information infrastructure through partnerships with international
organisations and knowledge management initiatives such as the International Energy Agency’s
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDE)
• Contribute to the EU’s overall information infrastructure through partnerships with Member
State initiatives on energy RTD knowledge management
• Enhance the creation of the Energy ERA by interconnecting the European energy RTD
community.
In analogy with the US TIMP programme (see annex H), the Commission might consider fi nancing
these knowledge management activities as a percentage of the overall budget of the Framework
Programmes.
Short-term action 2: create a basic portal for European energy RTD
In parallel with launching the strategy process, the Commission should quickly establish a basic
European portal on energy RTD in order to move away from the current unsatisfactory situation.
The user assessment demonstrates that (potential) users of energy RTD are completely lost in the
‘wilderness’ of the large number of European and national web-based energy RTD information
systems, and that many users simply are not aware of the international systems that exist.
The main purpose of this basic portal would be to help users fi nd information that exists elsewhere.
The portal would link to national, European and international energy RTD information systems
and provide guidance on the information available at these systems. Use of the portal should
be free of charge; the language could be English. The portal would be an easily accessible
gateway for researchers and others, within or outside the EU, to existing European energy RTD
information systems. Given the different information needs, the portal could have different ways
of disclosing information, by user group, technology, theme and country.
Development and maintenance of such a basic portal will not require large fi nancial and time
resources. The work of the present study could be used as a starting point. A marketing budget
should be foreseen to attract the energy RTD community to use the portal.
The portal could also serve as a learning facility for all activities developed and decided in the
process of the European strategy and roadmap for energy RTD knowledge management. Newly
developed functionalities can be tested in reality with this portal.
If in line with the long-term strategy, this portal could evolve to become ‘The European energy
RTD gateway’. In addition to the functionalities of the basic portal described above, this
gateway would also facilitate communication and knowledge sharing in the European energy
RTD community. It should become a lively tool of this community by offering functionalities
such as an extensive library, discussion forums, blogs, question and answer systems, Yellow
Pages, personalised news announcements, newsletters, a personalised environment, on-line
team rooms, good search functionality etc. It will be crucial that users really use the tool (‘if they
use it, it will build itself’ in contrast to ‘if we build it, they will use it’). The balance will be delicate
between stock and fl ow of information. The EU-funded www.knowledgeboard.com is a good
example of such a portal. Promotion is extremely important and requires a long-term effort in
time and in fi nancial resources.
35

36
Streamline knowledge management of existing EC energy websites
and of EC-funded energy RTD
Users and workshop attendees were clear about their expectations of EC websites and ECfunded
research: these websites should be streamlined (unifi ed, updated, upgraded). The EC
should furthermore apply stringent procedures to ensure that every single EC-funded energy
RTD project actively disseminates its results and publishes a fi nal report on the Commission’s
website.
We have identifi ed the following specifi c actions related to knowledge management of EC
websites and EC funded RTD:
• Streamline the EC’s own information systems. Make arrangements within the Commission to
ensure that the different EC websites related to energy and energy RTD link to the one-stopshop
portal described above in paragraph 2.1.2. Have outdated EC portals removed. Improve
the accessibility and structure of the current system, so that information retrieval on ongoing
and completed projects can be obtained
• Streamline EC-funded external information systems. Make arrangements to ensure that energy
RTD websites funded by the Commission link to the one-stop-shop portal. Have outdated
portals from past projects removed. Do not fund competing initiatives unless this supports the
overall infrastructure for access to energy RTD in the EU and is cost-effective
• Require peer-reviewed full text fi nal reports and articles of EC-funded energy RTD projects.
Require that all EC-funded energy RTD deliver a peer-reviewed fi nal report and at least one
peer-reviewed article in a scientifi c journal. Require that the report and article be delivered
electronically in English and in full text. Make them available through the appropriate EC
websites
• Put stringent procedures in place for dissemination within EC funded projects. New projects
should not be accepted if the budget for dissemination is insuffi cient, or if a dissemination
work package is not foreseen. Every single EC-funded energy RTD project should have actively
disseminated its results and published a fi nal report on the Commission’s website, before fi nal
payment
• Offer an EC website facility for EC-funded projects. Offer consortia implementing EC-funded
projects this facility for internal knowledge management and for external dissemination and
project branding. The website style and logo would be that of the EC. The EC would maintain
the website after the project.
These activities are mainly administrative and do not require signifi cant investments. The website
facility does require an initial investment but this is in our view highly effective since it replaces
investments made by every single project consortium for a project-specifi c website, created with
funds from EC RTD programmes.

Annex A – Questionnaire results
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
This annex describes the results of the questionnaire. Each question is addressed separately.
The actual question and its possible answers are given fi rst. Also the number of respondents is
given for each question.
The results of this questionnaire are very valuable for this investigation. Together with the
interviews, the analysis of the existing Energy RTD Information Systems and desk research
these results form the basis for the conclusions and recommendations of the underlying study.
Separately, the questionnaire results are not valid to give any statistical justifi able conclusions.
Questionnaires sent out
We have sent 113 potential users of E-RTD information systems, an invitation to fi ll in the online
questionnaire. See Figure 1 and 2 for the divisions per target group and country.
The selection of respondents was based on an approach which was both pragmatic and
appropriate. Pragmatic because all personal contacts (and contacts of these contacts) are used
and people that where contact person for FP5 projects. Appropriate because the group of people
selected had to satisfy the following conditions:
• coverage of 14 countries and international organisations (at least 5 per country)
• coverage of target groups.
Therefore fi rst a shortlist (140 people) of as many people as possible was established. Of these
140 people a selection was made based on above two criteria.
Figure 1 – Questionnaires sent out per target group
37

38
Figure 2 – Questionnaires sent out per country
Seventy eight (78) persons have responded to the invitation to fi ll in the questionnaire. However
they did not fi ll in all questions. Therefore we have stated the number of responses per
question.
The following pages describe all questions, their results and the number of respondents.

1. Please add your personal details
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Response Percent Response Total
Person name: 100% 78
Function description: 100% 78
Phone number: 100% 78
E-mail: 100% 78
Organisation name: 100% 78
Department: 100% 78
Total Respondents 78
See annex 1.1 for a list of all respondents.
2. Organisation type: Please select one of the following organisation types. Between brackets
you will fi nd examples: Industry / Industrial federation (European Renewable Energy Council,
Vattenfall AB, Electricité de France) - Public or private RTD organisation (CESI, Polish Academy
of Science, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft) - Policy organisation (IEA, Ademe, NOVEM, Swedish
Energy Agency, Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology) - Research network (JRC, Polish
Academy of Sciences) - NGO (Greenpeace, Helio International)
Response Percent Response Total
Industry / Industrial federation 21.8% 17
RTD organisation/network (public or private) 56.4% 44
Policy organisation 16.7% 13
Research network 5.1% 4
NGO 0% 0
Total Respondents 78
The Figures 3, 4 and 5 on the next pages present the respondents per country, organisation type
and the research they are involved in.
39

40
Figure 3 – Respondents per country and organisation type
Figure 4 – Respondents per type of organisation

Figure 5 – Respondents per type of function
Number of respondents 78
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Most respondents are researchers from universities and public research organisations. Secondly
respondents are consultants from commercial consultancy (research) organisations.
The diversity of respondents both per type of function, type of organisation and country is
appropriate for the purpose of this study.
3. Describe the Energy RTD you are involved in
Total Respondents 78
Answers cover a wide range of areas such as all types of energy technologies, sources and
carriers; electricity and heat production and distribution; rational use of energy; CO 2 capture
and storage; energy in transport; motors and machines; material research; waste management;
building research; policy and strategic issues; socio-economic research; modelling, energy
conversion processes and promoting RTD in sustainable energy systems.
4. Please specify the type(s) of Energy RTD you are involved in
Response Percent Response Total
Fundamental research 38.8% 31
Industrial and applied research 72.5% 56
Socio-economic research 36.3% 29
Demonstration activities 42.5% 34
Total Respondents 78
41

42
Figure 6 – Respondents involvement in different types of energy RTD
Industrial and applied research is the main RTD activity the respondents are involved in.
5. What functions or information content are important for you?
Response Percent Response Total
Partner search 65.7% 42
Funding possibilities 70.1% 45
Energy RTD programmes 77.6% 49
Running Energy RTD projects 49.3% 31
Energy RTD results 76.1% 47
Energy RTD policy 50.7% 32
Energy RTD policy assessments 37.3% 24
Other (please specify below) 11.9% 7
Total Respondents 63
See Figures 7 and 8.

Figure 7 – User needs: most important functions and information content
The most important functions and information content are:
• Information on energy RTD programmes
• Information on energy RTD results
• Information on funding possibilities
• Partner search
Less important are:
• Information on running projects
• Information on energy RTD policy
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Figure 8 – User needs per organisation type: most important functions and information
content
Number of respondents:
43

44
• Researcher: 36
• Consultant: 22
• Manager/coordinator policy: 15
• Manager/coordinator industry: 8
Researchers and consultants seem to have the same needs for the specifi ed functions and
information content and have a strong focus on:
• Partner search
• Funding possibilities
The policy managers are more focussed on the ‘two policy aspects’ and the industry managers
on ‘Funding possibilities’.
‘Energy programmes’ and ‘Results’ seem for all four groups interesting.
6. Specify other functions and or information content
Development of ongoing research events jobs publications
Environmental Patent literature
Total Respondents 9
links interactive system with on line conference
meetings events and workshop
evaluators and others
7. Please describe your expectations on the information on Energy RTD, concerning:
Response Percent Response Total
Quality 100% 50
Detail 100% 51
Up to date 100% 50
Total Respondents 51

Figure 9 – Relative importance’s for aspects of information content
Applicable responses: Quality (50), Detail (51) and Up to date (50).
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Eleven (11) respondents mentioned specifi cally the importance of the availability of general
information combined with the possibility to get more detailed information with, for example
reports, links, etc.
‘Quality’ and ‘Up to date’ is more important than ‘Detail’, as the detail should be gained by use
of other sources (e.g. reports, links to websites and databases). Quality in this respect is strongly
related to accuracy. The period in which information should be updated is related to the kind of
information.
8. What is the (geographical) scope of the information you need?
Response Percent Response Total
Regional 27,7% 15
National 48,5% 30
European 86,4% 53
International 65,2% 40
Total Respondents 62
See Figures 10, 11 and 12.
45

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Figure 10 – User needs: geographical scope of information content
Figure 11 – User needs: geographical scope of information content per organisation type
Figure 12 – User needs: geographical scope of information content per function

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
There is a strong focus on European and International information for all function groups and
organisations. Priority should be:
• European
• International
• National
9. On what kind of Energy RTD should the system be focused?
Response Percent Response Total
Fundamental research 47,1% 30
Industrial and applied research 85,3% 54
Socio-economic research 44,1% 29
Demonstration activities 57,4% 38
Total Respondents 64
Figure 13 – User needs: importance of energy RTD content per organisation type
Figure 14 – User needs: importance of energy RTD content per function
47

48
Main focus of the information content should be on industrial and applied research.
10. How should the information in the system be made accessible?
Response Percent Response Total
Free of charge 71,1% 47
Registred 52,2% 32
Payment in advance (subscription) 6% 4
Payment per information 11,9% 8
Other (please specify in next question) 1,5% 1
Total Respondents 63
Figure 15 – User needs: preferred accessibility options per type of organisation
Preferred accessibility options should be (for all organisation types) free of charge with a possible
registration.
11. Please specify how the information content of the system should be made accessible
Total Respondents 41
Basic info on call for proposals etc. shall be provided free of charge. More specifi c info e.g. partner
search could be provided to registered users. Info on results etc. might be provided to subscribers.
Web application with print out options.
Flyers leafl ets and synthetic publications (+/- 25 pages).
Internet.
Via internet.
Web pages.
Creation of a dedicated website.

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
E-mail/www.
Web-based.
Web site information points.
Via web.
Database with list of projects and programmes and a search function to be opened from the web.
As downloadable pdf fi les. There are many results of projects, which are still not available online
and this leads to repetition of prior work {and failures} from my experience.
CORDIS advanced partner search interface is a good example.
CORDIS and newsletter (email).
Basic information paid must be charge-free as public free service, detailed information per
information content on demand for registered customers, favouring structured and targeted
information to avoid overengineering information systems.
100 Euro/year admission fee and an organisation should set up an internet platform.
Internet
Through Internet, with general information at the main website, with detailed information through
registration (but free of charge) with declared fi eld of interest.
It should be given free of charge to a registered ex ante selected group of persons or institutions
electronically.
The barrier to use it should be as low as possible. In addition it should fi t 10 existing systems.
It could have a distinguished role in the formation of EU Technology Platform informing not only
about technology but also about the on-going activities.
Online with search function. Potentially as a newsletter.
Web sites and email alerts or news are most appropriate today. Occasional written reports are also
welcome. For example with summary of fi nished signifi cant projects at the EU level.
Registered.
Free of charge entry information. Registered results.
Web-based.
Summary free of charge. Full reports could be charged.
Through a specifi c internet site.
Through internet e-mails etc. would be preferable.
Information to be downloaded from website. Have a system simple to use looking for keywords/
fi elds of activities.
Pdf format or HTML.
Preferred free access or by registration, payment by subscription would be acceptable at possibly
low price.
Web system with search functionalities.
All participating organisation connect their databases to a centre so that everybody can get
summaries free of charge. Payment per information according to some rules.
Smart search engine - coupled to thesaurus.
Web based collection of continuously updated data base.
It should be possible to get information from different technology fi elds.
Websites (or other electronic format) is a preferred way of data dissemination.
49

50
12. What are important features for you in terms of user friendliness of the system?
Response Percent Response Total
Multiple languages 17,9% 11
Access time 64,2% 39
User interface 80.6% 50
Response time by content provider 38,8% 24
Other (please specify in next question) 6% 4
Total Respondents 63
Figure 16 – User needs: preferred features for information systems per organisation type

13. What other feature for user friendliness is important for you?
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Total Respondents 30
Figure 17 – User needs: preferred other features for information systems
Most important features in relation to user friendliness are:
• Good user interface
• Access time
• Response by content provider.
Other specifi cally mentioned features are (in order of importance):
• Sear facilities (related with user interface but also overarching one single energy RTD information
system)
• Clear overall information structure (related with access time, time to get the needed information/
data)
14. Would you be willing to register for an Energy RTD information system that fulfi ls all your
above needs?
Response Percent Response Total
Yes 95.5% 60
No 4.5% 3
Figure 18 – Willingness to register for a ‘perfect’ information system
Total Respondents 63
51

52
The willingness to register for a good information system is high.
15. Would you be willing to pay for an Energy RTD information system that fulfi ls all your
above needs?
No 1 Euro 1-5 Euro 5-20 Euro 20-50 Euro
more than
50 Euro
Pay per month 41% (27) 23% (15) 14% (9) 14% (9) 9% (6) 0% (0)
Pay per information use 44% (28) 27% (17) 16% (10) 6% (4) 2% (1) 5% (3)
Total Respondents 64
Figure 19 – Willingness to pay for a ‘perfect’ information system
Figure 20 – Willingness to pay for a ‘perfect’ information system

Figure 21 – Willingness to pay for a perfect information system per function
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
For a ‘perfect’ Information System between 56 and 60 percent of the respondents are willing to
pay for the information provided by the system.
16. Please indicate in your own words your main needs for using Energy RTD information
systems.
Total Respondents 64
Analysing the free format answers (Annex 1.4) we come to the following main three needs:
• Twenty one (21) respondents mention they need energy RTD information systems for
‘benchmarking’ of the performance (fi nancial, environmental, socio-economic or technical) of
new and old energy technologies
• Eighteen (18) respondents need information on the technical/scientifi c results of old and new
RTD activities
• Eight (8) respondents need information on energy programmes, priorities and status of RTD
activities in other countries.
17. How does the current situation of Energy RTD information system in Europe fi t your needs?
Response Percent Response Total
1 (bad) 5.2% 3
2 39.7% 21
3 39.7% 23
4 13.8% 7
5 (excellent) 1.7% 1
Total Respondents 55
53

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Figure 22 – Satisfaction with current situation
The average score for satisfaction with the current situation is 2.7. On average the respondents
are not satisfi ed. The industry is reasonably satisfi ed but RTD and policy organisations are not.
18. Please specify your answer
Total Respondents 53
Analysing the free format answers (Annex 1.5) we come to the following aspects users are NOT
satisfi ed with the current energy RTD information systems:
1. Overall structure 15
2. On site search 10
3. Comparability of data 7
4. Information on current RTD projects 6
5. Quality of data 6
6. Information on the mpact of projects/research results 5
7. User friendliness 3
8. Unavailability of data due to confi dentiality 2
Times mentioned

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
19. How would you improve the situation of Energy RTD information systems in Europe?
Please give suggestions concerning the information content provided, the functionalities
and basic features of the systems and the overall structure of Energy RTD information
systems in Europe. All other suggestions are, of course, welcome too.
Total Respondents 42
Analysing the free format answers (Annex 1.6) the following suggestions are given:
• Create virtual networks
• One central (European) portal with links to other sites
• Centralised registration facility for a selection of European, national (EU) and international (but
strongly EU focussed).
20. What Energy RTD information systems have you used frequently in the past year? Please
give the name of the system or website.
www.agores.org
www.bmbf.de
www.bmu.de
www.bmwa.de
www.caddet.co.uk
www.cordis.lu
www.dfg.de
www.eage.org
www.eclipse-eu.org
www.ecn.nl
www.eere.energy.gov/
www.egl.nl
www.elforsk.se
www.emwis.org
www.energys.com
www.energytech.at
www.enersearch.se
www.ensan.de
www.environdec.com
www.epss-fp6.org
www.euprojekt.sk
www.eurelectric.org
www.europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/energy_transport/index_en.html
www.europa.eu.int/comm/energy/index_en.html
www.europa.eu.int/comm/energy/intelligent/index_en.html
www.europa.eu.int/comm/energy_transport/atlas/html/body_energyrtd.html
www.europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6
www.europa/comm/energy.html
www.european-patent-offi ce.org/espacenet/info/index.htm
www.eurorex.com
www.Eurostat.org
55

56
www.fjarrvarmeforeningen.org
www.fz-juelich.de
www.gabi-software.com
www.google.com
www.idae.es
www.iea.org
www.ie-leipzig.de/BioNorm/Standardisation
www.ini-net.nds.de
www.jxj.com/magsandj/cospp/index.html
www.kowi.de
www.managenergy.net
www.nl.espacenet.com/
www.novem.nl
www.nrel.gov/
www.oilit.com
www.opet-network.net
www.osti.gov/energycitations
www.sarc.sk
www.scirus.com
www.solarbuzz.com
www.spe.org
www.ted.publications.eu.int
www.varmeforsk.se
www.volkswagenstiftung.de

21. How often did you use these systems?
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
daily 1 0 0 0 0
weekly 6 2 2 2 1
bi-weekly 2 1 0 0 0
monthly 6 1 1 2 0
bi-monthly 4 1 0 0 1
couple of times per year 5 1 1 0 1
CORDIS DG TREN Europe Managene IEA
24 6 4 4 3
57

Annex 1.1 Answers question 16
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
1. Finding info on RTD schemes in the sector, European-wide and internationally (topics quantity and
level of funding). Info about results of RTD projects. Partner search in collaborative projects.
2. a) To know what is going on internationally so activities don’t need to be repeated and one can learn
from other experiences b) To know who is doing what in order to fi nd partners or contacts c) to
stimulate users to work together.
3. Benchmarking of old as well as evolving technologies. Information for decisions on successive
renewal of the production system.
4. Reliable and scientifi cally validated data (i.e. fi gures or methodologies which refl ect a large scientifi c
consensus).
5. Benchmarking and contacts.
6. For keeping informed about current research and results.
7. Permanent access to information on new and high technology.
8. Environmental information on energy systems.
9. I see it as an option for networking in fundamental research areas and a help for obtaining EU funds
for such areas.
10. Partner search.
11. I do not have a need for it today.
12. A good search facility to identify current activities, potential partners, saving potential,
environmental benefi ts, quantifi ed to a common base if possible. Identifi cation of running as well as
fi nished funding programmes and impact assessment.
13. Complete and up-dated information; easy access; no fees to use it.
14. Detailed up-to-date information hierarchically structured.
15. In general the scientifi c journals cover my information needs. Our group is not capable of running
the organisation of an EC project, therefore it would be attractive to get information on possible
contributions to EC projects.
16. To evaluate different use of energy in different industrial processes.
17. Increasing our knowledge of energy saving, alternative energies and renewable sources and the
impact of its use. Data bases on energy applications, prices, projects results, etc. The evolution of
the use of different energy carriers.
18. Up to date info for research and teaching.
19. An overview of Bio energy and Biomass research programmes and the programmes that fund
the projects in this area as well as a short description of the projects to be used for ERA-NET
Bioenergy.
20. State-of-the-art of new technologies (distributed generation etc.). State of the art of social economic
evolution in liberalised markets. Management and fi nancing of R&D.
21. To fi nd out about previous and ongoing projects in thermal conversion.
22. To keep up to date and fi nd partners.
23. Searching partners for joint European and international projects (applied research, tenders etc.) and
up to date knowledge on present European RTD priorities in the energy fi eld.
24. Contact with colleagues and scientifi c offi cers working in the same fi eld. To easily fi nd new
expertise.
25. Targeted search, short info messages on demand and links to contents for further search, step-wise
search functions and services, payment for each step...
26. Giving information about new technologies in RES sector on local level: accessibility for every
municipality, direct use, fast knowledge transfer to industry.
27. To search for interesting projects and partners.
59

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28. Evaluation of the state of the art, project development, dissemination of results, co-operation.
29. Reliable and up to date information.
30. Updating information on area of research and institutions involved. Information on opportunities to
apply for new projects. Information on project results, project summaries and on how to get more
details.
31. An energy RTD system should offer the fast and cheap possibility to fi nd information about available
projects, funding and possible future partners.
32. Need to know current developments on programme and policy level in European (and important non
European IEA countries).
33. Not only the cost but also the complexity of payments should be avoided.
34. We would be interested in receiving information on ongoing research projects in our area (economic
analysis of energy policy) particularly regarding latest methodological developments and funding
possibilities (exists already).
35. What I miss most is some kind of information about results or conclusions (when non confi dential of
course!) for fi nished or even running projects funded by the Commission.
36. Environmental impacts from energy systems in quantitative terms, clearly structured (system
boundaries) and transparent and understandably communicated. Often in RTD actions
environmental issues are not treated correctly and information is misused.
37. To identify opportunities for collaborative work and sources of funding.
38. Timely, up to date.
39. To keep updated on the new installations, to keep updated on new European funding schemes, to
keep updated on new projects suffi ciently in advance enough to allow a proper decision.
40. Need to obtain information which could be easily disseminated to relevant databases.
41. I am registered with www.kowi.de which co-ordinates EU research information
(“Koordinierungsstelle EG der Wissenschaftsorganisationen/ Aktiver Informationsdienst”). The
information I get by KOWI are nearly suffi cient.
42. Free full service. Good searching facilities to identify possible partners. To avoid waste of time by
writing a lot of forms. Possibility to use national language.
43. I mainly use Energy RTD info systems as a scientifi c literature source to be able to better
understand/defi ne our own developments and to defi ne realistic system requirements. Secondly I
focus on the progress made by other parties working on the same topic.
44. To get a quick overview on the state-of-the-art of a certain technologies (as consultant I may not be
the typical user of a RTD information system...)
45. Be up to date with latest research, fi nd interesting projects and partners to work with.
46. Information on current energy programmes and on funding opportunities for energy projects;
possibility to meet partners and project proposers.
47. Since my organization has a scientifi c orientation, our main needs are linked to the possibility to
know the modern trends in the fi eld of Energy RTD and to acquire new ideas for future research
activities.
48. Easy access of relevant and structured information in the fi eld I am still interested. Concise
information with links to obtain more details.
49. Retrieve information on priorities and policy approaches of other countries, retrieve information on
the status of development in other countries in order to be able to assess proposals to subsidize
projects.
50. Funding programmes, search information on a national level, in particular on the energy market.
Partner search.
51. Get reliable and accurate information to support our own activities. Disseminate it easily.
52. Receiving updated information about research projects and funding opportunities.
53. Integrated databases.

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
54. Funding possibilities, partner search per funding possibilities (per call) search system for previous
projects.
55. Reviews of solar energy news in all countries.
56. My needs refer to calls (comments - what research could be and what could not be fi nanced
by specifi c call) partner search, comments on accepted/ non accepted projects and on running
projects.
57. Information on the projects and their results.
58. To know running projects, to get contact information, to explain and simplify funding possibilities.
59. Up to date information, simplifi ed access to information.
60. For us it is important that our project leaders have access to enough information about what has
been done in their fi eld so that our resources will be devoted to new projects.
61. Most information can already be found - a smart search engine (umbrella could possibly add value).
62. Detailed technology information and related costs for investments and operating in order to improve
energy related modelling projects.
63. I would like to know what has been done, what has been achieved.
61

Annex 1.2 Answers question 18
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
1. Most information is there but search is rather cumbersome. Quite surprising that most RTD dedicated
sites do not incorporate advanced search facilities common on commercial sites.
2. It is quite hard to fi nd the right information. Tools are usually very user unfriendly or give too much
unwanted information. The tools are hard to fi nd on the intenet and the continuous need for
registration constitutes a signifi cant barrier.
3. It is fragmented and not easily comparable. The system boundaries and the supply characteristics
are crucial.
4. Diffi cult to fi nd time series for energy RTD expenditures.
5. My needs are random. So far I have not used it enough.
6. A lot of results of RTD programmes and projects are confi dential because of strong economical
competition.
7. I don’t know a central system which covers my needs.
8. I personally feel there has been a lot of effort in setting up a web system but is not user friendly and
most of the times it is just a banner system.
9. Not easy to identify project impacts on a comparable scale. Partner search could be improved
particularly with new member states.
10. Until now I have found the service pretty good.
11. Very poor information about current and past projects, results of the projects (reports) and research
consortia.
12. In Sweden the information of environmental impacts of energy production is rather well-known and
available.
13. A high quantity of general information is available, but it takes a lot of time to fi nd specifi c results.
14. Quality info only in journals, garbage on web.
15. CORDIS covers only EC projects and not national projects.
16. Monitoring and information exchange on current R&D activities in the electricity industry could be
improved.
17. It is getting better with more reports on line and greater awareness of new funding activities, also
more easy access to call documents, although fi nding Directives or more particularly downloading
them can be a problem sometimes.
18. There are many possibilities to gather information on energy related activities in Europe, but these
information sources are dispersed (especially in the new EU member states).
19. Not containing recent info, proposal info, names of scientifi c offi cers...
20. No coherent info systems in all EU-Member States, no compatibility and specifi city of needed
practical information in a harmonised software or content scheme, content structure is not
harmonised and transparent.
21. There are some good systems offering a lot of information, but it needs a lot of time to have good,
reliable results.
22. The existing information systems are usually too complex and as a consequence getting the
required information is too much time consuming Often valuable information is not free of charge.
23. The information is relatively widespread. Maybe there is everything available, but one cannot fi nd it
quickly.
24. Many RTD info systems are focussed on projects or on particular (group) of technologies. Info on
policies and priorities is much rarer.
25. To complicated, slow, not coherent.
26. Information on funding opportunities on EU level exists, information on national energy research as
well.
63

64
27. Summarizing what I already commented above I think some more open information should exist
about the contents of projects fi nanced by the EU. Concerning the way all the information is already
made available I would like a more user friendly interface.
28. Environmental information of energy systems are not suffi ciently supported in RTD information
systems (or even not at all supported).
29. All right.
30. In general we get information as necessary.
31. KOWI is good (see answer above), but not good enough and not specifi c for energy. And I could
not fi nd out if KOWI informs about all tenders or if there are some tenders in TED tenders electronic
daily or on the DG websites which are important for us.
32. Blind corner in Europe. There is plenty of information and I lost myself in it. To fi nd something costs
a lot of time. Many middle aged specialist do not know any other language except national. I am
technical expert but I do not understand economy part.
33. In my view information on European research activities are too scattered. It is diffi cult to get an
insight into all the relevant research programmes on a European level.
34. Diffi cult to understand. Diffi cult to fi nd the right combination of RTD programmes.
35. The offi cial sites are generic and is really diffi cult to fi nd specifi c information.
36. There is no unique and reliable reference web site.
37. Vast amount of information is available. However there are more sites instead of one single
structured system or a system that structures and connects the different sources making search for
relevant information easier.
38. I use information of the IEA instead of information of the EU.
39. I am very satisfi ed with the information I gain through the system. Sometimes responding period of
partners might delay a negotiation.
40. It should send newsletters and partner search information.
41. So many sources, just the language barrier.
42. The only system that I know is CORDIS I do not know other such systems. There are commercially
available systems for general information on energy but not on RTD.
43. Technical information on the results of the projects.
44. Too complex.
45. A lack of a database where we can fi nd up to date RTD-results.
46. Many sources - both on institutional level and based on programme initiatives (IEA, EC
programmes, CORDIS EC site, national sites etc.).
47. It’s diffi cult to fi nd results of development in a specifi c fi eld.

Annex 1.3 Answers question 19
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
1. As discussed user profi ling and content management are substantial to improve info access.
2. Standardized approaches with a LCA perspective is in my view a key. Comparability and reliability
are important features. Holistic approaches are interesting and system performance. Google site
maps are useful.
3. Human and ad hoc short presentations to key energy people (i.e. for example persons who manage
more than 10 MÇ/year).
4. I don’t know. So far I have not used it enough.
5. It is a very good idea to do networking between different clusters and centres of science or
excellence.
6. Should be based on the availability of the information (technical and economical) for the proper
agents and should promote real network on the research side.
7. Contact persons in fundamental research areas for possible European networks could be one. If it
comes too close to products it will be harder to get an interaction.
8. Information website availability of research reports, information about current and past energy R&D
projects.
9. As indicated in 17, I would like to be able to look into the running EC projects to be able to cooperate
as a partner.
10. The different RTD organisms should be highly interrelated. More country specifi c information should
be available and the energy RTD information system should be multilanguage.
11. Structured and quality info from quality source.
12. Collaborate with agencies and ERA-NETs.
13. Investigate JRC activities. Identify common features of the European electricity system and develop
ideas on EU projects. Proposals for 6th and 7th Framework Programme of R&D. Implementation of a
virtual network between research centres.
14. Early announcement on next funding calls and better links to relevant EU directives where
applicable.
15. CORDIS website capabilities are good examples, but they are too general. Information on RTD
activities in European energy industry organisations is especially important.
16. Already mentioned under the other questions.
17. A coherent and transparent systems perhaps by a meta-search engine (EU-Google). Different
attempts and approaches at EU-level were nor successful.
18. There should be a transparent structure regarding topics and relevant actors. The provider should
have experts defi ning and publishing the actual state of the art for different topics and branches.
19. The energy information system should be unifi ed. It means that that the national information system
should operate in the same way as European ones.
20. The information should be structured more clearly. You should fi nd any theme by not more than four
or fi ve easy understandable steps.
21. Europe-wide comprehensive energy research information would be helpful (brief descriptions of
projects and results).
22. Already available data sets for environmental information of energy systems should be offered.
23. Information about real case studies can be expanded. Request for partners can be updated hourly .
24. There should be one single reliable source of all energy RTD information, not separate information
by the different DGs. At least one source with short, precise and very up to date information with
links to more detailed information.
65

66
25. To give me money and people and I will do it - says Czech sentence. But seriously - we don’t
have experience with preparation of project and lack money to visit potential partner. There are
exchanges but you need to plan about the visit 1 year in advance.
26. I take the national research in the USA as example. Descriptions of the national programmes (e.g.
DOE) and on the individual projects are readily found. Progress reports give good insight into the
current status and progress of the projects.
27. Break down the fi elds in sub-headings so it is easier to fi nd the research area one is interested in.
28. Must be clear and easy to fi nd news and information. Maybe the information could be organized
through keywords.
29. I think that a very useful solution could be the implementation of a well designed relational
information system (a GIS) with an interactive database structure.
30. As I don’t have much experience in information management I do not have concrete suggestions
on how to build the system. Finding the most effi cient structure for organising and for continuous
updating the available information sources as written in 18 would be an improvement.
31. Provide a database free of charge for the EU.
32. Higher involvement of new Accession Countries would be an advantage. More case studies/
examples of previous projects, especially unsuccessful projects, would be a help for us.
33. I need time to develop a concept.
34. One national monthly review by topic: solar energy, but not renewables, which is much too broad.
35. The content should be more or less same as in point 5.
36. Discussion forums, Summary of projects and of applications.
37. General information with simplifi ed access. Detailed information for particular topics through
specifi c links. Search by themes.
38. A common database with most possible information fl ux. Probably each organisation has already a
database. These databases can be connected.
39. Install a portal that provides access to existing sites and adds actuality.
40. I could envisage a cooperative effort of stakeholders involved under the direction of a competent
institution.
41. It would be easier to fi nd what has been done in different fi elds.

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Annex B – Selected examples of energy RTD info systems
This annex presents an overview of 25 selected examples of Energy RTD information systems. It
gives detailed descriptions of the 25 selected examples of energy RTD info systems. This annex
gives insight in the different type of concepts and approaches that are used to disclose energy
RTD through webbased information systems.
System identifi cation and selection
Identifi cation of the systems was done on the one hand by the users themselves (in the users’
questionnaire), and on the other hand by websearch of the project team. Main criteria for selection
were that the system (i) should focus on energy RTD and provide results of energy RTD and (ii)
go beyond a limited energy RTD database of one isolated producer or institute. Also practical
criteria such as country coverage, language of the system and added value to the study were
used. The following examples were selected:
1. AT Energytech.at
2. CH ENET
3. DE research portal
4. DK DEA website
5. EU Atlas
6. EU CORDIS
7. EU EIE
8. EU Espacenet
9. EU Managenergy
10. EU OPET Network
11. FR IFP publication database
12. INT Enersearch
13. INT IEA / OECD Caddet
14. INT IEA / OECD Greentie
15. INT IEA ETDEWEB
16. INT IEA Implementing Agreements
17. INT IEA Information Centre
18. INT Scirus
19. INT WIRE
20. IT CESI RdS database
21. NL NOVEM website
22. REG Nordic Energy Index
23. REG Nordic Energy Research
24. UK EPRSC database
25. US DOE EERE website
The table hereafter presents the main characteristics of the 25 selected examples of Energy
RTD information systems, as assessed by the project team. Websites that were not selected for
presentation in this annex but that have relevance for energy RTD or energy RTD information
systems are listed and briefl y described in annex C of this report.
67

68
High diversity of systems
The 25 selected examples of Energy RTD information systems show the diversity of concepts
and approaches applied. The selection includes 9 national systems, 8 international, 6 European
and 2 regional systems (scandinavian).
They all inform on energy RTD but they all have their specifi c reasons for existing. Some are
set up with an administrative drive to inform on funding opportunities or to be transparant and
accountable on energy RTD funding. Others have another approach and strive to be a gateway
for RTD users to access energy RTD researchers, programmes, projects and results.
Most of the selected examples provide information on energy RTD programmes and funding
on the one hand, and give access to a relational database that contains information on energy
RTD projects and energy RTD results on the other hand. Some of the selected examples have
a different approach: there are also search engines alike systems (e.g. DE research portal and
INT Scirus) or portal websites that link to other websites for detailed information (e.g. EU OPET
network).
Most of the selected examples are dedicated to energy and energy RTD. Some do not focus on
energy RTD but cover much larger RTD areas including energy RTD (e.g. DE research portal, INT
Scirus, UK EPRSC database).
Info on energy RTD is the main function
Most of the selected examples provide information on running energy RTD (18/25) and on energy
RTD results (22/25). This is logic as this was one of the selection criteria.
To a lesser extent the systems also provide information on energy RTD programmes (13/25),
funding possiblities (10/25), energy RTD policy (10/25), partner search (6/25) and energy RTD
policy assessments (6/25).
Most systems target several user groups
Very few systems were evaluated to target exclusively one user group. Most of them were
evaluated to target several (13/25) or all user groups (8/25). User groups were defi ned as (i)
industry, (ii) RTD organisation, (iii) policy organisations, and (iv) research networks.
Most systems cover energy RTD in a broad way
Half of the selected systems (13/25) focus on industrial/applied research or (pilot) demonstration.
Some of these systems go beyond (pilot) demonstration and focus on promotion of new proven
energy technologies (e.g. EU ManagEnergy, IEA / OECD Caddet and Greentie).
The other half of the selected systems (12/25) also covered fundamental energy RTD but never
exclusively; always in combination with the other areas, industrial or applied research, socioeconomic
research and/or (pilot) demonstration.
Very few systems were evaluated to cover only one energy RTD area: industrial or applied
research (INT Enersearch) and demonstration (EU EIE and EU ManagEnergy).

Access is predominantly free of charge
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Most selected systems can be accessed free of charge (23/25). Very few are only accessible
after registration (2/25), being IEA ETDEWEB and IEA Implementing Agreements.
Some specifi c functions of the systems that are free of charge, are only available upon registration,
payment per item or subsription (respectively 4, 2 or 1 system).
69

System name Functions/info provided Targeted users RTD focus Geograph.
scope
70
Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
Running energy RTD
Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
AT Energytech.at I I I I I I I I I I I
Other
Industry/federations
RTD organisations
Policy organisations
Research networks
Fundamental research
Industrial/applied res.
Socio-econ. research
Demonstration
Regional
National
European
International
System access
CH ENET I I I I I I I I I
DE research portal I I I I I I I I I I I I I
DK DEA website I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
EU Atlas I I I I I I I I I
EU CORDIS I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
EU EIE I I I I I I I I I I I
EU Espacenet I I I I I I I I I I
EU Managenergy I I I I I I I I I I I
EU OPET Network I I I I I I I I I I I I
FR IFP publication database I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
INT Enersearch I I I I I I I
INT IEA/OECD Caddet I I I I I I I I I
INT IEA/OECD Greentie I I I I I I I I I I I
INT IEA ETDEWEB I I I I I I I I I I I I I
INT IEA IA I I I I I I I I I I
INT IEA information centre I I I I I I I I I I I I I
INT Scirus I I I I I I I I I I I I
INT WIRE I I I I I I I I I I I I I
IT CESI RdS database I I I I I I I I I I I
NL NOVEM website I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
REG Nordic Energy Index I I I I I I I I I I I I I
REG Nordic Energy Research I I I I I I I I I I
UK EPRSC database I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
US DOE EERE website I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
TOTALS 6 10 13 18 22 10 6 3 17 20 18 14 12 23 15 21 2 22 7 10 23 6 1 2
Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item

Name of system AT Energytech.at
Website www.energytech.at
Commissioner Ministry of Traffi c, Innovation and
Technology, Vienna Austria
System operator Austrian Energy Agency
Vienna Austria
Type of organisation Policy organisation
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
System description
Context The energytech.at website, launched in 1999, is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Traffi c,
Innovation and Technology (Department for Energy and Environmental Technologies) and
the Austrian Energy Agency (EVA - Energieverwertungsagentur).
Description of the
information system
Energytech.at is a virtual exhibition and an information platform for innovative energy
technologies in the fi elds of renewable energy and energy effi ciency, focussing on Austrian
R&D activities and success stories. Energytech.at supplies selected energy-related
information and news. Target groups are planners and experts in companies (SMEs),
education and research, as well as the interested public.
Energytech.at is aimed to be a service point in the fi eld of innovative energy technologies.
The Austrian Energy Agency EVA is responsible for co-ordination and for the general
information on the site. Renowned institutions that have longstanding experience and hold
a recognised position in Austrian energy technology set up the technology sites. These
institutions guarantee the quality of the provided information.
A technology site includes a technology profi le, publications, examples of innovative
projects, information on events, pictures and links to all types of organisations involved
in the respective technology. The project descriptions contain basic information about
project set-up and results and include the contact details of the researchers involved. These
descriptions are mostly only in German.
Content Energytech.at currently has 6 technology sites focusing on:
- Thermal Solar Energy - Cogeneration (CHP)
- Photovoltaics - Energy-effi cient Building Refurbishment
- Solid Biomass - Energy and Architecture
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
✓ Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Search engine, newsletter,
expert contacts, q&a,
relevant events and
publications
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
Research networks
Level of detail
Limited detail on projects
but suffi cient to know
what’s on and to do
extended searches.
RTD focus
Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Updated regularly (no
specifi cation given).
Links to other systems
Links to the websites of all
energy actors in Austria in
the 6 technology fi elds.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
International
Languages
General information in 2
languages: English and
German. Project info
mostly in German only.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The Energytech.at website is very well structured and contains valuable information on selected energy
technologies. It seems to be a valuable tool for linking the Austrian energy community to focused information on
energy RTD. The database mainly contains information on Austrian RTD projects but also includes information on
relevant international developments in the energy industry and in energy RTD. The website is easily accessible and
user friendly. Energytech.at is limited to 6 technology fi elds most relevant for the Austrian situation.
71

72
Name of system CH ENET
Website
www.energieforschung.ch
Commissioner Bundesamt für Energie, Bern,
Switzerland
System operator same
Type of organisation
Policy organisation
System description
Context ENET was set up by the Swiss Federal Offi ce for Energy to improve and promote cooperation
between companies and research institutions. Its aim is to facilitate the use of
innovative results of energy R&D (research, development and demonstration) and thereby
support the economical and sustainable development of companies.
Description of the
information system
The ENET information system contains an extensive publications section that is structured
by type of technology (see also content section for an overview of technologies included)
and can be searched by author, year, title and type of publication. Publications are partly
directly accessible on the website in pdf format, or can be ordered directly from ENET.
The ‘headlines’ section of the website contains a subscription service to receiving news on
events and new publications by e-mail. The information sent is targeted to the users need.
The ‘news’ section contains a periodical newsletter that can be downloaded in pdf format,
and the ‘events’ section contains a calendar with relevant conferences and other events,
and offers links to the respective programmes and the possibility to register online for
events linked to the Bundesamt für Energie. Finally, the technology transfers section offers a
function to submit a request or offer for a certain technology or type of knowledge.
Content Following is an alphabetical list of topics covered by the ENET information system:
biomass, buildings, chemical energy storage, CHP, combustion and heat generation plants,
electric batteries and supercaps, electric power, energy economics, fuel cells, geothermal
energy, heat from the environment, heat storage, hydroelectric power, nuclear fi ssion and
fusion, photovoltaics, process technology, solar heat, technology transfer, light vehicles,
transportation in general and wind energy.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
✓ Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Quarterly newsletter, search
engine.
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
Policy organisations
Research networks
Level of detail
Most important sources
of information on the
website can be found in the
publications section, these
vary from very general
articles to detailed technical
reports.
RTD focus
Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Site seems to be updated
very regularly (no frequency
indication given).
Links to other systems
Prominent links to
ETDEWEB and a
nanotechnology
programme, links to events.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
International
Languages
All information available
in German, large
sections also in French,
Italian and English.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
✓ Payment per item
Remarks
The ENET intiative has a well-structured website with a clear design and offers access to information (mainly
through publications) on a wide variety of subjects, however these are to a large extent not freely accessible (to be
ordered from the website). The site can be easily and rapidly searched with the search engine. It is not completely
clear how the partner search facility operates – a form can be fi lled in for supply or demand of knowledge but the
results are not included on the website.

Name of system DE research portal
Website www.forschungsportal.net
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Commissioner German Federal Ministry of Education
and Research (BMBF)
System operator Search Engine Lab, University of
Hanover, Germany
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (‘BMBF – Bundesministerium für
Bildung und Forschung’) performs different research tasks at the national level, including
funding of basic and defi ned other research (in conjunction with the Lander). The German
Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour (‘BMWA – Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und
Arbeit’) is in charge of energy policy including energy RTD policy.
BMBF commissioned the project Forschnngsportal.net in order to disclose effi ciently
research information of German scientifi c organisations. Forschungsportal.net was
presented on the 6th international Conference on Current Research Information Systems, in
Kassel Germany in 2002, and was reportedly endorsed as a model for Europe with special
interest from Austria and Denmark. Forschungsportal.net was launched in September 2002.
Description of the
information system
Forschungsportal.net is a search engine that enables researchers and students to learn
which publicly supported research institution in Germany handles certain topics, and which
information about these topics is provided in the internet.
Forschungsportal.net searches about 10 million websites that are exclusively located
at 20 000 servers of government-funded science organisations. This targeted selection
guarantees that only high-quality information is recorded, which is free of adverts or
‘Internet noise’. The operators register the web sites in agreement with BMBF.
Core element of Forschnngsportal.net is a search engine that can access the part of the
worldwide web that is called ‘invisible’ or ‘deep web’ consisting of web sites that are
automatically generated from databases at the time of request. Forschungsportal.net can
thus access the databases of universities covering their own research projects that embody
high quality information.
Content Forschungsportal.net covers all energy RTD produced by German scientifi c organisations
(e.g.: keyword ‘energy’ – 153 213 hits; keywords ‘wind turbine low voltage’ – 20 hits).
Basic features
Functions/info provided
✓ Partner search
Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Search help, feedback
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
The search engine works
as a normal search engine
that lists links and extracts
of selected websites while
highlighting the search text.
The user can then access
the websites or documents
on the list.
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Reportedly constantly
enlarged. Content updated
frequency depends on
searched websites.
Links to other systems
The portal links to about 10
million websites of German
science organisations.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
International
Languages
The search engine is in
DE and EN. Content is
in DE or EN, sometimes
in both DE and EN.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
Forschungsportal.net uses a powerful search engine in order to give access to all scientifi c information published
on some 20 000 servers of German scientifi c organisations. It is an interesting initiative of the German Federal
Ministry of Education and Research that enables researchers and students to consult which publicly supported
research institution in Germany handles certain topics, and which information about these topics is provided in the
internet. Energy RTD produced in Germany can be accessed through Forschungsportal.net.
73

74
Name of system DK DEA website
Website http://www.ens.dk
Commissioner Danish Energy Authority (DK)
System operator Danish Energy Authority (DK)
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context The Danish Energy Authority was established in 1976 and is an Authority under the Danish
Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs. It carries out tasks, nationally and internationally,
in relation to the production, supply and consumption of energy.
The Danish Energy Authority administers the Energy Research Programme (ERP), which
grants subsidies to R&D in the area of cleaner and more energy effi cient technologies.
The ERP aims to contribute to establishing the technological possibilities required for the
practical implementation of Danish energy policy, and also to contribute to reinforcing
exports of Danish energy technology and know-how. The ERP also fi nances Denmark’s
participation in international energy research cooperation (IEA) and Nordic cooperation in
the area. By means of network creation, communication etc., the Danish Energy Authority
seeks to optimise Danish benefi t from the international research programmes.
Description of the
information system
The website of the Danish Energy Authority provides information on Denmark’s energy
policy issues and on the Authority’s activities.
The website contains a section on ‘Research and development’ that informs on the Danish
Energy Research Programme and links to other Danish programmes (run by electricity
operators or the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation) in which energy RTD
projects is funded. The website also informs on international energy RTD programmes:
it contains information on the EU FP5, FP6 and IEE programmes, on the Nordic Energy
Research Programme, and on the Danish participation in IEA energy research activities.
With regard to the Energy Research Programme, the website contains guidelines for funding
as well as information on funded projects (titles of the 2003/2004 projects, links to project
descriptions in the Nordic Energy Index for 2000/2002 projects).
Content The projects funded by the ERP concern a variety of energy issues: biomass, energy
effi ciency, fuel cells, solar, wind energy, system integration, distribution, oil and gas
(2003/2004 projects).
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
✓ Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
News items, search
engine, policy publications
download, energy
legislation download.
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
One-page data sheets for
2000 and 2002 projects;
title and contractor data for
2003 and 2004 projects.
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Updated several times a
year.
Links to other systems
Links to IEA, EU (5FP,
6FP, IEE), Nordic Energy
Reseach programme
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
International
Languages
English, Danish.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The section on ‘Research and development’ of the Danish Energy Authority website contains basic information on
the Danish Energy Research Programme. It provides titles of 2003/2004 projects and links to the Nordic Energy
Index for information on the 2000/2002 projects. It puts Danish Energy RTD in context by providing information
on the EU FP5, FP6, IEE programmes, on the Nordic Energy Research Programme and by explaining the Danish
participation in IEA energy research activities.

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Name of system EU Atlas
http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy_
Website
transport/atlas/home.html
Commissioner European Commission DG Energy,
Brussels, Belgium
System operator EnR (European Energy Network), Jülich
Centre, Germany
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context DG Energy launched the ATLAS Project (in that period known as DG XVII) in 1996 with
the aim to establish an information base to support energy Research and Technological
Development (RTD) strategy. The European Network of Energy Agencies (EnR) implemented
the project. The ATLAS project followed a bottom-up approach in which information was
gathered on selected energy technologies at national level for each technology area from
government, industry, trade associations, national agencies and research bodies. Peer
review was undertaken through workshops involving over 150 representatives from the EU
and worldwide.
Description of the
information system
The ATLAS information system provides information on energy technologies and energy
policy issues that can be accessed through fi ve main sectoral themes (renewables, heat and
power, industry, buildings and transport) and seven main policy issues (market deployment,
competitiveness, security of supply, environment, technical development status, market
barriers and RTD needs).
Content Each of the fi ve sectoral themes contains a comprehensive overview and discussion of
the main technologies in the sector in question, creating a more or less complete set of
descriptions of the main energy technologies utilised. For instance, in the transport section,
the following technologies are described: combustion engines, vehicle design and light
materials, fuel cells for transport applications, gaseous and alternative fuels, biofuels,
electric and hybrid vehicles, transport and traffi c management, transport and traffi c
technologies, freight transport and rail transport.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
Running energy RTD
Energy RTD results
✓ Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
✓ Other: info on energy
technologies
Additional services:
n/a
Targeted users
Industry/federations
RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
Research networks
Level of detail
Information included
is mostly explanatory
about technologies,
suffi cient detail for basic
understanding of these
technologies.
RTD focus
Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Information has not been
updated since entry in
1996/1997.
Links to other systems
Some links included to
information on policies on
EU web pages.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
✓ European
International
Languages
Information available in
English only.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The information provided on the ATLAS website is in some cases of a somewhat basic nature and is in a number of
cases outdated, however, it does provide a good overview of and (basic) insight in energy technologies and policy
issues.
75

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Name of system EU CORDIS website
Website www.cordis.lu
Commissioner EC DG Enterprise Brussels
System operator EC Publications Offi ce Luxembourg
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context In 1995 the Commission issued its 1 st Green Paper on Innovation. In 2000 in Lisbon the
Heads of State and Government committed the EU to the ambitious goal of becoming “the
most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world by the end of the
decade”. Innovation and research were identifi ed as key in achieving this goal.
The 6 th Research Framework Programme (FP6, 2002-2006) is the Commission’s principal
fi nancial instrument for enhancing European innovation. CORDIS is the Commission’s
main information dissemination and exchange mechanism on research and innovation.
Within the Commission, DG Enterprise is in charge of Innovation Policy and CORDIS, while
DG Research is in charge of Research Policy and FP6.
Description of the
information system
CORDIS, the COmmunity Research and Development Information Service, is an interactive
information platform that keeps its users up-to-date with the latest news, progress
and initiatives in European innovation, research and development. Targeted users are
researchers, entrepreneurs, business specialists, government agencies, representatives of
public services / non-profi t organisations and journalists.
CORDIS offers full documentation on EU RTD policy, RTD programmes and RTD funding.
Through its search facilities and databases on projects and their results CORDIS also
offers information on previous and on-going projects. Project fact sheets present the main
results and provide contact details of the involved parties. CORDIS furthermore includes
a technology marketplace that includes exploitable research results and displays the best
results as technology offers.
Content Non-nuclear energy RTD is in FP6 mainly addressed under the ‘Sustainable Energy
Systems’ sub-priority. Topics are (i) cost-effective supply, (ii) large-scale integration, (iii) ecobuildings,
(iv) poly-generation, (v) alternative motor fuels, (vi) fuel cells, (vii) energy carriers,
(viii) renewables, (ix) CO2 sequestration and (x) socio-economic tools. Info and results of
energy RTD projects can be accessed through the general search facilities and databases
by using appropriate keywords. Project information goes back to 1997.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
✓ Partner search
✓ Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
✓ Energy RTD policy
✓ Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Search engine, newsletters,
email alerts, technology
offering, press news
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
Limited detail on projects
but suffi cient to know
what’s on and to do
extended searches.
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Daily updates. Most docs
are dated. Some databases
separate recent results
(

Name of system EU Intelligent Energy Europe
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/
Website
intelligent/index_en.html
Commissioner European Commission, DG TREN
System operator same
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context Intelligent Energy - Europe (EIE) is the Community’s support programme for nontechnological
actions in the fi eld of energy effi ciency and renewable energy sources. The
duration of the programme is from 2003-2006. EIE is intended to support the European
Union’s policies in the fi eld of energy as laid down in the Green Paper on Security of Energy
Supply, the White Paper on Transport and other related Community legislation (including the
Directives on renewable electricity, energy performance of buildings and biofuels).
The programme is structured in four fi elds: SAVE: improvement of energy effi ciency
and rational use of energy, in particular in the building and industry sectors; ALTENER:
promotion of new and renewable energy sources for production of electricity and heat
and their integration into the local environment and the energy systems; STEER: support
for initiatives relating to all energy aspects of transport, the diversifi cation of fuels and the
promotion of renewable fuels (biofuels) and energy effi ciency in transport; and COOPENER:
support for initiatives relating to the promotion of renewable energy sources and energy
effi ciency in the developing countries.
Description of the
information system
The website of Intelligent Energy Europe contains all relevant information regarding the
programme, including the relevant legislation, organisational issues (the EIE executive
agency), the work programme and calls for proposal and calls for tender published under
the programme, and an extensive database (‘IntellEbase’) of projects funded under the EIE
programme and its predecessors (the Altener and SAVE I and II programmes, that have
been operational between 1996 and 2002). The database contains sector reports with
compilations of the programmes results in various thematic fi elds (e.g. appliances, biofuels,
buildings, renewable electricity), and information on specifi c projects that can be accessed
by means of a search engine. The database can be searched by in three modes: basic,
advanced and free text.
Content The content of the EIE programme and website includes the following topics:
- Energy effi ciency in buildings - Effi cient use of energy in transport
- Energy effi ciency in industry - Energy management agencies
- Renewable energy (heat/electricity) - Local energy expertise in developing countries
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
✓ Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Search engine, possibility
to subscribe to electronic
newsletter.
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
Suffi cient detail on the
programme as a whole.
The level of detail of the
information per project
varies but is in most cases
rather limited (objective,
short description, partners).
RTD focus
Fundamental research
Industrial/applied res.
Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Regularly updated (once
publications become
available, and when
projects start or end).
Links to other systems
Project descriptions in
IntellEbase usually contain
links to partners and project
website.
Geographical scope
Regional
National
✓ European
International
Languages
All information available
in English only.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
Search engine provides a fairly effective means of fi nding projects funded under the Altener and Save programmes
on a specifi c subject, however, search results are not well structured (given in random order). The website does
provide a good insight in the content and funding possibilities offered by the EIE programme, which is focusing on
non-technological actions (research and technological development can not be funded under the programme).
77

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Name of system EU Esp@cenet
Website www.espacenet.com
Commissioner European Patent Organisation
System operator European Patent Offi ce (EPO)
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context The European Patent Organisation was established by the Convention on the Grant of
European Patents signed in Munich 1973, as the outcome of the political determination
to establish a uniform patent system in Europe. The European Patent Offi ce (EPO) is the
executive arm of the European Patent Organisation.
Patents literature has an increasingly important function as a medium of information. Over
80% of the world’s stock of technical knowledge is found in patent literature. To promote
the use of this resource and widen the channels for the dissemination of patent information,
the EPO joined forces in 1998 with the Member States of the European Patent Organisation
and the European Commission to launch the Internet-based service known as esp@cenet,
Europe’s network of patent databases.
Description of the
information system
The main purpose of esp@cenet is to provide users with a readily accessible source of
patent information, free of charge. A second aim is to improve awareness, in particular
among small and medium-sized companies, of the kinds of patent-related information
available to the public. Industrial and scientifi c users can draw on esp@cenet to watch new
technologies emerge, fi nd solutions to technical problems and discover what competitors
are developing.
In January 2004, esp@cenet contained 45 million patent documents from 71 countries,
24 million having a title, 18 million an ECLA class, and 7 million an abstract in English.
Esp@cenet can be accessed through the EPO website or sites of the national patent
offi ces. Esp@cenet has powerful search facilities that enable the user to fi nd patents.
From result lists the user has access to legal patent information and to full pdf fi les if
available. Esp@cenet supports the user by online help features, FAQ, search guidance, user
forums (650+ registered users in October 2004), user training; esp@cenet also has a user
questionnaire.
Content Esp@cenet covers all RTD areas including energy RTD.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
Running energy RTD
Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
✓ Other: patent literature
Additional services:
Help facilities, FAQ, search
facilities, search guidance,
user forum, user training,
and user satisfaction polls.
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
Esp@cenet gives basic
details about the patent
(application) and, if
available, also gives access
to the original patent
document in pdf format.
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
Socio-econ. research
Demonstration
Frequency of update
Patents of minimum PCT
documentation countries
are loaded during the week
after publication. This time
varies for other countries.
Links to other systems
Esp@cenet links to
websites of patent
organisations worldwide.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
✓ European
✓ International
Languages
EU site: EN, FR,
DE. National sites:
national languages. EN
Abstract: 7 of 45 million
patents.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
Researchers and industry can use esp@cenet to watch new technologies emerge, fi nd solutions to technical
problems and discover what competitors are developing. However, use of patent literature requires knowledge on
how the patent industry works; the user should also know the limits of free-of-charge services such as esp@cenet
compared with use of patent professionals or commercially available patent databases. Nonetheless, esp@cenet
seems to be a powerful generic tool to watch new technologies including energy technologies; it is used by one
of the researchers that responded to the present study’s questionnaire. Esp@cenet is a professionally managed
database with sophisticated search services and help functions, keeping track of user needs and user satisfaction.
A time-consuming drawback according to the user community is that documents can only be downloaded and
printed page by page.

Name of system EU ManagEnergy
Website www.managenergy.net
Commissioner European Commission DG TREN
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
System operator STEM Swedish Energy Agency
(coordination), CPL Press UK (website
management)
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context ManagEnergy is an initiative of the European Commission DG for Energy and Transport (DG
TREN) aiming to support the work of actors working on renewable energies and energy
demand management at local and regional levels.
ManagEnergy was launched in March 2002, based on the requests for further improved
communication and information dissemination on locally relevant energy issues. 2½ Year
later, it has 15 000 visitors per month; 6 000 contacts on the mailing list; 2 000 organisations
registered and providing information at the site, and 650 reports on the site.
Description of the
information system
The ManagEnergy website contains a wealth of information for local energy actors on local
energy issues. It offers in particular:
- Information on latest Community energy and transport policies and legislation, including
live and recorded Internet broadcasts of energy events, speeches and presentations;
- Information on EU project / programme funding available for local actors to support this
legislation, including on IEE and 6FP;
- Collection and dissemination of case studies (217 in September 2004) and good
practices (22) in order to learn and share expertise and knowledge from others;
- Contact details of 380 local and regional energy agencies and 1 500+ other energy actors
for easier communication and networking including a partner search facility;
- Help desk facilities for actors who need further information
ManagEnergy disseminates results of RTD and demonstration projects that are relevant for
the local level. It links local actors to energy info platforms such as Caddet, EuroRex, IEA
bioenergy, OPET network and European Energy Network, and also links to the IEE and FP6
programmes. It registers about 200 energy RTD organisations across the EU-25, (pre)candidate
countries and other countries (e.g. Albania, Bulgaria, China, India, Ukraine, etc).
Content ManagEnergy focuses on local issues: energy effi ciency, renewable energy and transport.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
✓ Partner search
✓ Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Search engine, newsletters,
help facilities, and internet
broadcast of energy events.
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
Research networks
Level of detail
The website contains
about 650 reports on
case studies, partners
and legislation. Event
presentations can be
followed integrally. Links
are provided to 2 000+
organisations presented on
the Website.
RTD focus
Fundamental research
Industrial/applied res.
Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Professionally managed
website. Regularly updated.
Links to other systems
Links to websites of
EU energy funding
programmes, major energy
events, 2 000+ energy
actors etc. etc.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
✓ European
International
Languages
English. Intro available
in all offi cial EU
languages.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
✓ Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
ManagEnergy disseminates results of RTD and demonstration projects that are relevant for the local level. The
website is professionally managed and has grown to 15 000 visitors per month. The information is well structured,
accessible, up-to-date and of good quality. Information is available at the meta level and the detailed level; case
studies and good practices can be downloaded. ManagEnergy aims to be an interactive website on which local
actors can also put their experiences; 2 000+ actors have put their contact details on the website but the actual
numbers of case studies (217) and good practices (22) are still relatively low.
79

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Name of system EU OPET Network
Website www.opet-network.net
Commissioner OPET / European Commission (DG
TREN, FP5)
System operator OPET Sweden / Swedish Energy
Agency, Stockholm
Type of organisation Research network
System description
Context The ‘Organisations for the Promotion of Energy Technologies’ (OPET) Network aims at
promoting public awareness of energy research results. The activities of OPET are intended
to further the deployment of innovative technologies and increase the pace of market
uptake of research that supports European Energy Policy priorities. The mission of the
network is formulated as follows: ‘The Organisations for Promotion of Energy Technologies
(OPET) Network aims to promote European energy technologies across the EU and global
markets and thereby to reduce global warming’. OPET is co-fi nanced by the European
Commission (DG TREN, FP5). The network currently consists of 115 partner organisations
from 48 countries (from around the globe: EU, Candidate Countries, Asia, Latin America,
Africa, Black sea region and former CIS countries). Recently the network has started to
restructure and enhance their activities under a new contract with the EC (‘Co-opet’).
Description of the
information system
The information offered by the OPET website is structured according to the main areas of
work of the network (buildings, renewable energy, co-generation and district heating and
cooling and clean fossil fuels). Furthermore, separate sections of the website are dedicated
to the network itself (who’s who, mission, and partners) and EU policies (with useful links
to relevant EC websites). The website also offers information on good practices and has
separate pages for news items (including a downloadable newsletter) and events.
Content The ‘Organisations for the Promotion of Energy Technologies’ network is active in the
areas of work mentioned in the previous paragraph. Furthermore, OPET operates separate
projects focusing on Latin America (Modern and Clean Energy and Transport technologies
in Latin America and the Caribbean: the OLA Project) and energy conversion, storage and
transportation (Eminent: Early Market Introduction of New Energy Technologies by the Opet
Network in Liaison with Science and Technology).
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
✓ Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Newsletter, events calendar.
Targeted users
Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
Website itself mainly
contains general
descriptions of the activities
of the network, for more
detailed information the site
refers to separate websites
of these activities that
are operated by partner
organisations.
RTD focus
Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
News and events sections
of the website seem to
be regularly updated.
New information in other
sections is added
Links to other systems
The links section of the
website is currently empty.
Some links to other
systems in other sections
(e.g. EU policies).
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
✓ European
✓ International
Languages
All information available
in English only.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The OPET network aims to further the deployment of innovative technologies and increase the pace of market
uptake of research that supports European Energy Policy priorities. The OPET website mainly informs on the
activities of the network, for more detailed information the site links to separate websites of these activities that are
operated by partner organisations. Layout and structure of the website are not always clear.

Name of system FR IFP publication database
Website www.ifp.fr
Commissioner
System operator Same
Type of organisation RTD organisation
System description
Institut Français du Pétrol (IFP, France)
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Context The Institut Français du Petrole (IFP), managed by the French Industry Ministry with an
annual budget of 296 M€ and 1 800 scientifi c and technical staff, carries out applied R&D
to support France’s oil and gas industries. Research is divided into 4 themes (i) Exploration
and Reservoir Engineering, (ii) Drilling and Production, (iii) Refi ning and Petrochemicals, and
(iv) Engines and Fuels. IFP serves both institutional players and industry.
To support its mission of disseminating information, IFP has built up a fi rst-rate scientifi c,
technical and economic Information and Documentation Centre in the fi elds of oil, gas and
energy. The centre’s outstanding documentary holdings (80 000 books, 1 100 journals, CD-
ROMs, economic studies, etc.) cover the whole oil and gas industry.
Description of the
information system
As part of the services portfolio of the IFP’s Information Business Unit, the IFP website has
a knowledge hub and an online publication database that brings together references to
articles, proceedings and books supplied by IFP’s in-house publications.
To date the publication database holds some 17 000 items over the period from 1943
onwards. A search engine enables users to search by free text and to generate result lists
sorted by relevance or date. For every item the database contains basic data such as title,
authors, source, document type and in many cases also an abstract in English and French.
The items can be added to a cart and ordered online. Prices are 14 for black and white
copies by postal mail and 30 for black and white copies by fax or colour copies by mail.
Some articles are free downloadable in pdf format.
Content The database covers the energy RTD in which IFP is involved: oil and gas from exploration
to use, including refi ning from biomass, alternative fuels and engines, hydrogen in cars,
combustion designs and treatment of exhaust gases.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
✓ Energy RTD policy
✓ Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
E-mail newsletter
subscription, search
engine, online ordering of
publications, help
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
Limited detail on
publications but suffi cient
to know what’s on, to do
extended searches and to
decide upon the relevance
of the document for
ordering.
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
Socio-econ. research
Demonstration
Frequency of update
Frequently updated.
Links to other systems
Links to IFP investment and
partner companies.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
✓ International
Languages
English and French
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
✓ Payment per item
Remarks
The IFP online publication database is an example of a dissemination tool of an internationally reputed research
institute involved in a specifi c sector of energy RTD. The database allows easy searching in IFP publications and
ordering copies of articles and publications that are of interest. Some of the articles are downloadable and free of
charge; others are priced and can be sent by fax or postal mail.
81

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Name of system INT Enersearch
Website www.enersearch.se
Commissioner Consortium of RTD organisations (see
‘context’)
System operator Enersearch AB, Malmö, Sweden
Type of organisation Industry / ind. federation
System description
Context Enersearch AB is an industrial energy R&D consortium, founded in the late 1990’s. Currently
the consortium consists of the following shareholders: ABB Automation Products, Energy
research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN), EDP - Electricidade de Portugal, Eneco,
Iberdrola, IBM Utility Services, E.ON-Energie and Sydkraft. Enersearch is active in the fi eld
of utility business strategies.
Description of the
information system
The information on the Enersearch website is structured according to the three themes in
which the consortium is active: ‘new distribution technologies’, ‘the power grid as a critical
infrastructure’ and ‘intensive information use in market and business’. In each of the three
themes, a number of projects are carried out, that are presented in detail by means of
dedicated project websites. Current projects are:
- Crisp: ‘Critical infrastructures for sustainable power’
- ISPLC: ‘International symposium on power line communications and its applications’,
event organised every two years (2001, 2003, 2005);
- IT in energy: study on the role of information technology in improving effi ciency in future
energy systems;
- CRIS: the international institute for critical infrastructures;
- On-to-knowledge: ‘Content-driven Knowledge-Management through Evolving
Ontologies’;
- BUSMOD: ‘Business models in a world characterised by distributed generation’; and
- PALAS: PowerLine as an Alternative Local Access’.
Furthermore, the website contains a publications section and basic information on the
organisation.
Content Enersearch focuses on all issues related to power generation and distribution, including
information and ICT aspects and applications, business and marketing strategies and issues
related to security of supply.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Search engine
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
RTD organisations
Policy organisations
Research networks
Level of detail
The Enersearch website
contains only general
information, it functions
as a portal for the specifi c
projects that are carried
out by the consortium.
Publications of the projects
are accessible through the
publications page.
RTD focus
Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
Socio-econ. research
Demonstration
Frequency of update
Information is (partly)
somewhat outdated (last
publication update in 2001).
Links to other systems
Not on website itself,
dedicated project sites
contain links to related
projects and programmes.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
✓ European
International
Languages
All information available
in English only.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The Enersearch website provides access to interesting projects and publications related to power generation and
distribution. Detailed information can be found through links to separate project websites and via the publications
section. Site is partly outdated. As mentioned on the website, the search engine (‘Enersearcher’) is rather slow.

Name of system INT IEA/OECD CADDET
Website www.caddet.org
Commissioner IEA and OECD, Paris, France
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
System operator Caddet Centre, Future Energy Solutions,
Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context CADDET (Centre for Analysis and Dissemination of Demonstrated Energy Technologies) is
an international information network for managers, engineers, architects and researchers
about proven renewable energy and energy-saving technologies. CADDET (along with
Greentie, see @) is part of an IEA (International Energy Agency) Agreement known as EETIC
(Energy and Environmental Technologies Information Centres). CADDET was established in
1988 to promote the international exchange of information on energy effi cient technologies.
Its objective is to enhance the exchange of information on new, cost-effective technologies
that have been demonstrated in applications such as industry, buildings, transport,
utilities and agriculture. The information is not only collected and disseminated to a very
wide audience, it is also analysed to provide a better understanding of the benefi ts of the
technologies.
Description of the
information system
The information on the CADDET website is structured (by form) in the following four
sections:
• InfoStore: a database of projects, containing detailed information on over 2000 energy
projects, structured in sections: general, technical, energy, environmental, economic;
• Brochures provide more detailed information on selected Infostore entries that are
particularly successful or topical;
• Reports focus on individual technologies, in relation to viability and benefi ts of the
technology, and discussing the underlying principles of the subject.
• InfoPoint is the CADDET newsletter, containing information on energy technologies,
policies, legislation and topical news items in energy effi ciency or renewable energy.
Content The CADDET website contains information on energy effi ciency and renewable energy
sources with a broad focus, including all energy effi ciency and renewable energy
technologies, but also related topics such as ‘municipal waste’, ‘lighting’, ‘agricultural
waste’, and ‘engines and transmissions’.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Filter and e-mail notifi cation
options (for registered
users), quarterly newsletter,
news service.
Targeted users
Industry/federations
RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
Research networks
Level of detail
Level of detail of the
publications varies from
general to very specifi c
and technical. Project
information
RTD focus
Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Regular updates of new
projects, approx. bi-weekly
update of news items.
Links to other systems
Large selection of
interesting links, structured
by type of energy/theme.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
✓ European
✓ International
Languages
All information available
en English, general info
page in 10 languages.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
✓ Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
Search on specifi c keywords results in large numbers of search results that are not well structured and vary in
relevance to the keyword. Information on specifi c projects (in the ‘Infostore’ database section of the website) is well
structured, highly informative and contains helpful features such as an e-mail function for entire project entries and
a fi lter and e-mail function for registered users (providing data tailored to the needs of the user).
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Name of system INT IEA/OECD Greentie
Website www.greentie.org
Commissioner IEA and OECD, Paris, France
System operator Greentie Centre, Future Energy
Solutions, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context Greentie is an international directory of suppliers of technologies that help to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. It also provides information on funding and programmes of the
IEA and other international organisations operating activities with a focus on clean energy
technologies. Greentie (along with Caddet, see @) is part of an IEA (International Energy
Agency) Agreement known as EETIC (Energy and Environmental Technologies Information
Centres). Greentie was set up in 1995 in response to Agenda 21 and the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change as a tool to help countries fulfi l their commitments to the
Convention by providing information on technology options.
Description of the
information system
The main element of the information system is the Greentie directory. The Directory is
an online database of over 5,000 suppliers of equipment, services, data, and literature
relevant to greenhouse gas mitigation. Each organisation is described in relation to a
number of characteristics, in three sections: general (general description, products, target
group, mission), contact details and other (this section contains the classifi cation of the
organisation (type of greenhouse gas, industry, geographical focus). Furthermore, the
Greentie website contains a section on fi nance options, which provides information and
guidance on project appraisal, project fi nancing, sources of funding and risk assessment/
management for projects which seek to mitigate greenhouse gases.
Content The following technologies are included in the Greentie database: advanced technologies,
agricultural waste, air monitoring, buildings, coal, CHP, renewable energy technologies,
electrical energy, distribution, energy management, engines and transmissions, forestry
and energy crops, fuel cells, gas cleaning, geothermal, hydroelectricity, hydrogen, industrial
technologies, industrial waste, landfi ll gas, lighting, municipal waste, nuclear technology,
ocean energy, oil and natural gas, solar energy, transport and wind.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
✓ Partner search
✓ Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
Running energy RTD
Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Newsletter (‘Greentimes’),
Partner search facility
(‘Project broker’), e-news
service (‘e-nouncements’).
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
Policy organisations
Research networks
Level of detail
Level of detail of
information on suppliers
suffi cient for targeted
partner search in the fi eld of
greenhouse gas emission
reduction projects.
RTD focus
Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
News items /events section
regularly updated, database
entries can be updated by
suppliers themselves.
Links to other systems
Database records contain
links to suppliers’ websites.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
✓ International
Languages
All information available
in English, small
selection of general
pages available in
10 languages.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
Very useful information systems, well fi t to its purpose to gather and exchange data on suppliers of knowledge in
the fi eld of mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim to enable effi cient partner search and knowledge
transfer. Advanced search options offer suffi cient possibilities to perform targeted search, structuring of search
results could be improved (results are now provided in random order).

Name of system INT IEA ETDEWEB
Website www.etde.org/etdeweb
Commissioner IEA, Paris, France
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
System operator ETDE Operating Agent,
Oak Ridge Tennessee, USA.
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context The Energy Technology Data Exchange is a programme of the International Energy Agency
that has started in 1987 with 11 member countries and currently has 16 member countries.
Its mission is ‘to provide governments, industry and the research community in the member
countries with access to the widest range of information on energy research, science and
technology and to increase dissemination of this information to developing countries’.
The ‘ETDE World Energy Base’ or ‘ETDEWEB’ is the Internet tool operated by the
programme to disseminate the energy research and technology information that the
programme collects and exchanges. Access to ETDEWEB provides the following benefi ts to
its users: keeping researchers informed about the latest research developments; providing
scientifi c and technical information from countries around the world in all areas of energy;
providing links to full-text government reports, conference literature, and more recently,
some journal literature; identifying energy subject-area experts; promoting international
cooperation in energy research and development.
Description of the
information system
The ETDEWEB system can be searched by means of an ‘extended search’ or a ‘simple
search’. In the latter option the user can search by bibliographic info, author, title, full
text or identifi cation number. The results can by choice be ordered by relevance, entry of
publication date, type of document or by research or sponsor organisation. The ‘advanced
search’ option has the possibility to search by various combinations of the above mentioned
‘simple search’
options, which allow for very specifi c, targeted search possibilities. All returned results /
database entries are described according to a number of characteristics (e.g. title, abstract,
contact information, format etc.), which provides good insight in the contents. Where
available, complete publications are included in pdf format.
Content Very broad focus, any publication related to energy technologies can in principle be included
in the database, entries vary from highly technical research reports to policy papers and
assessments to general articles on all energy technology related subjects.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
✓ Energy RTD policy
✓ Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Extensive search options
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
Research networks
Level of detail
All records include
detailed information
on the publication and
where possible also the
publication itself.
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
Demonstration
Frequency of update
Updated regularly (recent
updates available).
Links to other systems
Large number of database
entries contain links to
related organisations or
publications.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
✓ International
Languages
All information (only)
available in English.
Access to the system
Free of charge
✓ Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The ETDEWEB database provides access to a very extensive collection of (about 3,400,000) bibliographic records
on a wide range of topics related to energy research. Search options are very well elaborated and enable targeted
search possibilities and well structured return of results. Very valuable source of information, mainly for researchers,
but also for industrial and policy oriented users.
85

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Name of system INT IEA Implementing Agreements
Website http://spider.iea.org/impag
Commissioner IEA, Paris, France
System operator IEA
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context The IEA provides support to (international co-operation and collaboration) in energy
technology R&D, deployment and information dissemination, by means of a programme
called the ‘IEA Framework for International Technology Co-operation’. The Framework
sets out the legal and management support for the activities of more than 40 active
technology agreements in the programme, called ‘Implementing Agreements’. Implementing
Agreements can be established on a cost-sharing basis, a task-sharing basis, or a
combination of both. They aim to contribute to speeding up technological progress,
lowering costs, eliminating technological risks, avoid duplicating efforts, facilitating
harmonisation of standards, and protecting intellectual property.
Description of the
information system
The IEA operates a separate website dedicated to the Implementing Agreements that is
accessible to registered users. The website contains a number of references to other (parts
of) IEA websites related to technology and Implementing Agreements, but also contains
more detailed information on the (results of) the Implementing Agreements by means of
the ‘Interactive IA database’. The database contains organisational information on the
agreements (contact information, contracting parties, sponsors, meeting dates) and an
extensive description of the aims and content of the agreement in question, including
annexes (separate sub-projects). Further details can be found on separate websites that are
operated by each Implementing Agreement. The Implementing Agreements database can
be searched by category or by country.
Content The over forty Implementing Agreements that are currently operational cover a wide range of
energy technology issues and are divided into six sections: ‘Energy end-use technologies’,
‘Fossil fuels’, ‘Fusion power’, ‘Intersectoral’, ‘Renewable energy technologies’.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
✓ Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Newsletter (OPEN Energy
Technology Bulletin)
Targeted users
Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
Research networks
Level of detail
Website contains detailed
information on starting
points and content of the
implementing agreements,
actual results can be found
on separate website per IA.
RTD focus
Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Regularly updated
(frequency not specifi ed).
Links to other systems
Website contains links to
other websites dedicated
to each separate
implementing agreement.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
✓ International
Languages
All information available
in English only.
Access to the system
Free of charge
✓ Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
Website and database containing valuable and well-structured information, for researchers and policy makers, on
the Implementing Agreements of the IEA. Provides insight in the contents and objectives of all forty Implementing
Agreements, and provides access to more detailed information on each specifi c agreement (on the website itself or
through links to dedicated websites per agreement).

Name of system INT IEA Information Centre
Website www.iea.org
Commissioner International Energy Agency - IEA
System operator IEA, Paris, France
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Context The IEA was established as an autonomous intergovernmental organisation within the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in November 1974 after
the oil crisis of 1973 / 1974. IEA Member Countries commit themselves to take effective
measures to meet any oil supply emergency, and over the long term, to reduce dependency
on oil. Means to attain their objective include increased energy effi ciency, conservation,
and the development of coal, natural gas, nuclear power and renewable energy sources.
The IEA provides support for international co-operation in energy RTD through technology
agreements, called ‘implementing agreements’.
Description of the
information system
The information centre of the IEA offers information on a wide range of subjects related
to energy, which is accessible through a selection of keywords, free text search and by
(member) country. For each key word, the information is structured in various sections:
‘Related statistics and database’, ‘Related IEA programmes’, ‘Publications’, ‘Newsletters’,
‘Workshops’, ‘Press releases’, ‘Papers’, ‘IEA contact’ and ‘Related websites’. Information
on Energy RTD can mainly be found through the ‘Related IEA programmes’ section. This
section fi rst directs the user to the ‘IEA Technology Agreements’ section, which contains
general information on the programme (objective, content, participating countries).
Subsequently, the user can access the separate website of the programme, which contains
information on fi nished and ongoing projects, research results/reports and conferences.
Content The IEA currently operates over forty ‘implementing agreements’ on the following subjects:
fuel cells, materials for transportation, motor fuels, superconductors, bio-energy, clean
coal, climate technology, demand side management, district heating/cooling, environmental
technologies, energy conservation (in combustion, in buildings and through energy
storage), energy systems analysis, oil recovery, fusion power, geothermal, heat pumps,
hybrid / electric vehicles, hydrogen, hydropower, greenhouse gases, photovoltaic, process
integration and wind turbine systems.
On these subjects, detailed information is available on various RTD aspects, including
specifi c policies, papers and research results. Furthermore, on a more general level,
information is available on conferences, networks, organisations and energy statistics.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
✓ Energy RTD policy
✓ Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Search engine, newsletters
on a wide range of
subjects, information on
networks, conferences,
press releases, updates by
e-mail.
Remarks
Targeted users
Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
General information, e.g.
on energy policies and
statistics available on a
wide range of subjects,
detailed information
including research results
accessible through
separate websites per
implementing agreement.
RTD focus
Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Frequent updates (no
specifi cation given).
Links to other systems
Large selection of links
per topic, to national and
international sources on the
subject.
Geographical scope
Regional
National
European
✓ International
Languages
All information available
in English.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
The information centre of the IEA covers a wide range of subjects and offers (access to) valuable sources of
information both for policy makers who are interested in high level policies and statistics and for researchers who
are interested in more specifi c technological results. Search facilities seem rather basic, but prove to be effective in
fi nding and accessing detailed information in only a small number of search steps.
87

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Name of system INT Scirus
Website www.scirus.com
Commissioner Elsevier BV, The Netherlands
System operator Elsevier BV, The Netherlands
Type of organisation Scientifi c publisher
System description
Context Elsevier Science is the world’s largest scientifi c, technical and medical information provider,
publishing journals as well as books and secondary databases. Elsevier Science is part of
the Reed Elsevier plc group, providing information solutions to professional end users, with
increasing emphasis on the Internet as a delivery method. As part of Elsevier’s electronic
information solutions, Elsevier Science launched Scirus on April 1, 2001.
Description of the
information system
Scirus is a comprehensive science-specifi c search engine that enables scientists, students
and anyone searching for scientifi c information to chart and pinpoint data, locate university
sites and fi nd reports and articles quickly and easily.
Scirus covers more than 167 million pages from two different sources: journal sources and
Web sources. Journal sources are generally peer-reviewed and may require a subscription
or online registration. Web sources are usually freely accessible and drawn from Internet
sites and Web pages including university sites, society homepages, scientists’ homepages,
news pages, conference info, patent information, e-prints/preprints, company homepages
and product information. The journals include a wealth of reputed scientifi c journals on
energy issues.
Scirus has won several prestigious international awards for search engines and web pages.
Since April 2001, its popularity has been growing to more than 1 million unique users per
month generating over 4.5 million page views.
Scirus has sophisticated search features and search tips. Once a searcher gets results,
Scirus suggests a list of focus options to further refi ne the search. Scirus goes deeper
than the fi rst two levels of a website. For example: when searching for ‘CORDIS’ and ‘wind
turbine’, Scirus fi nds result lists of CORDIS searches with the keyword ‘wind turbine’.
Content Scirus covers a wide range of scientifi c subject areas, one of them being ‘Engineering,
Energy and Technology’. Search with keyword energy results in 1 300 000 references to
journals and 5 600 000 references to web pages.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
✓ Other: scientifi c
literature
Additional services:
Search engine, search
tips, advertising, toolbar,
news subscription,
user feedback, website
submission.
Targeted users
Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
Scirus generates results
lists that link to the original
freely available web
sources or to abstracts of
journal sources (for which
full reports and articles may
require a subscription).
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Regularly updated.
Links to other systems
Scirus does not link to
other systems but uses
them (for example: Scirus
searches in the US Patent
Offi ce info system).
Geographical scope
Regional
National
European
✓ International
Languages
English.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
✓ Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
Scirus is a powerful tool to locate scientifi c information on the Web. Scirus has grown over 3½ year to about 1
million unique users per month and has won several awards as a speciality search engine. Scirus focuses on RTD
in general; it can be used to locate energy RTD by defi ning appropriate keywords. Scirus is professionally managed,
has powerful search features, is user friendly, and is reputed for the quality of its sources and results lists.

Name of system INT WIRE
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Website http://wire0.ises.org/
Commissioner International Solar Energy Society - ISES
Freiburg, Germany
System operator Same
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context The World-wide Information System for Renewable Energy (WIRE) was installed by the
International Solar Energy Society (ISES) in 1995. The system is sponsored by the German
Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. It’s aim is formulated as follows: ‘to create,
through the application of information technology, and through the use of the international
infrastructure, partner organisations and vast network of expertise of ISES, an information
source of great qualitative value, accessible to all persons and organisations pursuing the
advancement of renewable energy worldwide’. ISES is a UN-accredited NGO, present
in more than 50 countries, with the aim to supports its members in the advancement of
renewable energy technology, implementation and education.
Description of the
information system
The WIRE information system is set up in a number of separate modules (including the
following: buildings, conferences, market place, components, research, statistics, white
papers, news, literature, images, educational, organisations and discussions) that can each
be searched in a number of ways, depending on the module in question. In most modules,
at least the following search categories are available: by date, author, title, category,
technology, type and by keyword. The information system contains a large number of
entries in each of the modules, the search engine of the systems allows for a specifi c search
in a selection of modules and categories (including geographical scope) which allows for
targeted search possibilities.
Content In the WIRE database, information on energy technologies is included in the following
categories:
- Renewable Energy in Buildings - Indirect Solar Technology/applications
- Policy and Programmes - Developing Countries
- Direct Solar Collector Technology - Storage and Fuels
- Direct Solar Systems and Applications - Marketing and Commercialisation
- Environmental and Social Impact - Resource assessment education and
information exchange
Basic features
Functions/info provided
✓ Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
✓ Energy RTD policy
✓ Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Search engine, targeted
information supply on basis
of user profi le.
Targeted users
Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
Research networks
Level of detail
Detailed information
available on projects,
most database entries
furthermore include links
to dedicated websites for
further details.
RTD focus
Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Updated regularly (e.g.
approx. 2 news updates
per week).
Links to other systems
Contains numerous links to
organisations, events, other
information sources.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
✓ International
Languages
All information available
in English only.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
✓ Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
Database with information on renewable energy, with a focus on solar energy options. Accessible with or without
registered user profi le. Registered users are provided with information targeted to their needs and can include
contributions to the database themselves. Well-structured set up, layout and search engine allow for targeted
information search. The large amount of modules sometimes leads to a reduced clarity of structure.
89

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Name of system IT CESI RdS database
www.cesi.it
Website
www.ricercadisistema.it
Commissioner CESI (Italy)
System operator CESI (Italy)
Type of organisation Industry
System description
Context Since 1962, CESI (Centro Elettrotecnico Sperimentale Italiano) provided technical support
and services to the Italian electrical industry ENEL that held the majority of CESI share
capital. In 2000, at the moment of the liberalisation of the Italian electrical system, CESI
incorporated ENEL Research activities in order to concentrate all research knowledge and
expertise in a unique company.
Nowadays CESI is a private company operating in the electro-energetic and environmental
sectors in more than 35 countries all over the world. CESI provides contract research along
with its consultancy, training, testing and certifi cation services and the supply of testing
laboratories and diagnostic innovative systems.
Description of the
information system
The CESI site (www.cesi.it) informs on the CESI activities, in Italian and English. The website
elaborates on the research activities of CESI (in Italian) and lists national and EU energy RTD
projects in which CESI participates.
The CESI site also links to the CESI’s RdS site (www.ricercadisistema.it) that informs
on electrical system research. The project archive of the RdS website gives access to a
comprehensive database on electrical system research. The database contains project
descriptions and downloadable summaries and full reports of some 20 Italian energy RTD
projects undertaken in the fi eld of electrical system research.
Content Electrical system research.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
News, events, glossary,
document search engine
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
The project archive of the
RdS website gives access
to project descriptions
and also to downloadable
documents, summaries and
full reports.
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Frequently updated. RdS
site contains recent docs.
Links to other systems
The RdS site links to the
websites of 48 universities,
scientifi c and technical
institutes that produce the
research.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
International
Languages
CESI site: IT and EN
RdS site: IT
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The RdS website operated by CESI, a major player in Italian energy RTD, is an example of a private website that
discloses results of energy RTD projects in a specifi c sector (electrical system research) for national actors. The
website enables energy actors to access to project descriptions as well as to full downloadable reports and project
documents. The website and documentation are in Italian only.

Name of system NL NOVEM website
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
www.novem.org (website in EN)
Website
www.novem.nl (website in NL)
Commissioner NOVEM (The Netherlands)
System operator NOVEM (The Netherlands)
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context NOVEM, known as the Netherlands Agency for Energy and the Environment, is
a government agency under the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and focuses on
encouraging the sustainable development of energy and the environment. At national level
NOVEM carries out programmes for various Dutch ministries. At the international level,
NOVEM participates in many networks and organisations, primarily on behalf of the Dutch
government, but also under contract with international organisations as EU, IEA, UN and the
World Bank. NOVEM recently merged with another Dutch agency to become SenterNOVEM.
Description of the
information system
NOVEM has 2 websites with different content: the EN-language site www.novem.org and
the NL-language site www.novem.nl.
The EN-site is provides information on the international activities of NOVEM and links to
websites of international bodies and initiatives such as the European Energy Network, the
EU FP5, FP6 and IEE, the OPET network, and to various IEA-sites and to sites created
under the IEA Implementing Agreements. The EN-site also gives access to international
knowledge dissemination projects run by NOVEM such as the ‘Score programme’
targeting rational energy use in Eastern European countries. The EN-site also links to a
comprehensive NOVEM website on clean fuels (www.cleanfuels.novem.nl) presenting RTD
projects supported by the Netherlands and a number of international projects. Short project
descriptions are available for these projects.
The NL-site is directed to the national tasks of NOVEM that include info providing on
energy and environmental issues, and grant management of research and demonstration
programmes. The NL-site informs on funding possibilities within the Dutch energy research
programmes. The search engine makes it possible to search the comprehensive database
of 2 120 Dutch research and demonstration projects regarding energy and environment, of
which 468 relate to the energy sector, 1 011 to renewable energy etc. etc. Every project is
briefl y described and includes the contact details of the project implementer.
Content Non nuclear energy with a focus on renewable energy and energy effi ciency.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
✓ Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
EN-website: publication
order service. NL-website:
news, search facilities,
newsletter, my NOVEM.
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
The EN-website is general
and refers to websites
of other institutions for
more info. The NL-website
contains brief energy RTD
project descriptions that
include contact details of
the project implementer.
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Frequently updated.
Links to other systems
Both websites link to EU
sites (6FP, 5FP, IEE, Opet),
to IEA sites, and to sites of
NL energy actors.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
International
Languages
EN-website: English
NL-website: Dutch
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The websites of NOVEM, the Netherlands Agency for Energy and the Environment, provide different content for
international and national users. International users are enabled to learn more about the national and international
activities of NOVEM and on some spearhead issues such as clean fuel. National users have access to descriptions
of the 2 000+ research and demonstration projects carried out in the energy and environment RTD programmes
managed by NOVEM.
91

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Name of system REG Nordic Energy Index
Website www.risoe.dk/nei
Commissioner SNEIL - Secretariat for the Nordic Energy
Information Libraries
System operator SNEIL
Type of organisation RTD organisation / network
System description
Context The Secretariat for the Nordic Energy Information Libraries (SNEIL) produces the Nordic
Energy Index. SNEIL is a cooperation of the libraries of four institutes: the Danish Risø
National Laboratory, the Norwegian Institute for Energy Technology, the Helsinki University
of Technology (Finland) and the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology (KTH - Kungliga
Tekniska Högskolan).
Description of the
information system
The Nordic Energy Index contains descriptions of ongoing and completed energy research,
development and demonstration projects in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The
listed projects have received grants from government programmes. The database contains
over 12 000 project descriptions from 1982 to present.
Project abstracts can be accessed via the search engine generating lists of projects. Each
project is described in a one-page information sheet containing basic information such as
project title, involved staff, contact details, project n°, duration, funding and abstract (in
English or in one of the Scandinavian languages).
Content Subject coverage is:
- Energy Sources - Energy Storage and Conversion
- Energy Conservation and Utilization - Energy Policy, Management, Economy
- Transport and Transmission of Energy - Environmental issues related to Energy
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Search engine (gives
access to project
abstracts).
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
Project abstracts contain
basic information on the
projects including contact
details.
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Updated irregularly. Project
data since 1982.
Links to other systems
Links to IEA (Caddet,
ETDEWEB), EU (CORDIS,
Eucris), and to 5
Scandinavian research
databases / info systems.
Geographical scope
✓ Regional
✓ National
European
International
Languages
Website is in English.
Project abstracts
either in English or in a
national Scandinavian
language.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The Nordic Energy Index website is simple but effective for obtaining access to Scandinavian energy RTD projects.
It is a joint effort of scientifi c institutes in 4 Scandinavian countries to link information systems on energy RTD
projects. A simple keyword search gives access to basic descriptions of over 12 000 ongoing and completed energy
RTD projects that received grants from government programmes. The website links to international info systems
(IEA Caddet, IEA ETDEWEB, EU CORDIS) and to national research info systems in the 4 Scandinavian countries.

Name of system REG Nordic Energy Research
Website http://www.nefp.info/
Commissioner Nordic Council of Ministers
System operator
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Nordic Energy Research, Oslo, Norway
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Context Nordic Energy Research is a co-operation between the governments of Denmark, Sweden,
Norway, Iceland and Finland. It was set up as a programme fi nanced by the Nordic
Governments in 1986 and became an institution under the Nordic Council of Ministers in
1999. The aim of Nordic Energy Research is to acquire new knowledge for the development
and application of new energy solutions. The organisation has formulated the following
priorities for its research: reduction of CO 2 emission to meet requirement in the Kyoto
agreement; increase the share of renewable sources and carriers; an effective energy market
which gives good framework conditions for the competition of business and industry;
security of supply; energy effi ciency; systems analysis; and a closer co-operation with the
adjacent areas (mainly the Baltic area and Russia).
Description of the
information system
The Nordic Energy Research website contains information on general policies and current
projects of the institute, structured by subject according to the following division: integration
of the energy market, renewable energy sources, energy effi ciency, the hydrogen society
and the effects of climate change on the energy sector. Of each subject a more thorough
description of goals and a more precise description of research challenges are given. More
detailed information on the separate projects and their results is given through (links to)
separate, dedicated project websites.
Content Nordic Energy Research carries out research in the following areas:
- Electrochemical energy conversion - Combustion of Biomass
- Energy Flexible Thermal Systems - Petroleum Technology
- Energy and Society - Process Integration
- Technical Systems in an Open Electricity Market
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
✓ Funding possibilities
Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Information on courses and
seminars, news section.
Targeted users
Industry/federations
RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
Research networks
Level of detail
Website contains mainly
general information on
the organisation, policies,
targets, mission and project
of Nordic Energy Research.
More specifi c information
can be found on dedicated
project websites but is
rather limited.
RTD focus
Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
News section and info
on seminar is regularly
updated.
Links to other systems
Selection of links to
national and EU energy
policy related websites.
Geographical scope
✓ Regional
✓ National
European
International
Languages
All information available
in Norwegian, selection
of main pages also in
English.
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The Nordic Energy Research website provides information of the energy policies and priorities of the Nordic Council
of Ministers, and a general description of main energy technologies that could contribute to these policies – and
main challenges to be addressed with regard to these technologies. Interesting source of general information on
technologies and policy issues, however, specifi c information on technologies and information on research results is
rather limited.
93

94
Name of system UK EPSRC database
Website www.epsrc.ac.uk
Commissioner Engineering and Physical Sciences
Research Council (EPSRC, UK)
System operator Same
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is a UK government
agency funded by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Offi ce of Science and
Technology (OST). The EPSCR agency invests around 715 million a year to promote and
encourage research and postgraduate training in the physical sciences and engineering.
Energy RTD is mainly funded through the EPSRC but also through 2 other Research
Councils: the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Natural Environment
Research Council (NERC). Together, the 3 Councils manage the ‘Towards a Sustainable
Energy Economy Programme’. Other energy RTD programmes, such as ‘Sustainable power
generation and supply (Supergen)’, are managed by EPSRC exclusively.
The EPSRC website contains a grant database that gives access to project information of all
RTD projects funded by EPSRC. The other Research Councils have similar systems: ESRC
for example has the ‘Regard database’ online.
Description of the
information system
The EPSRC website contains extensive information on the RTD programmes that EPSRC
manages. It contains information on the funding programmes, on how to apply and also on
news and publications.
The EPSRC website has a web facility that enables to browse and search the EPSRC
portfolio of research, training and public awareness grants (‘Grants on the web’). The system
gives access to project descriptions of 5 873 grants worth a total of 2,7 billon.
Users can conduct a search by programme, research topic, industrial sector, UK region,
organisation, researcher or free text. The user can select an item in the table of results from
each search and move to screens with successively more detail. Project descriptions are the
most detailed level and contain basic information such as project title, period, abstract and
contact details of the researcher in charge.
Content The EPSRC database covers all RTD in engineering and physical sciences funded by
EPSRC. Energy RTD accounts for 6% of the total number of granted projects (search for
projects in the power sector gives 369 results worth €210 million) and covers conservation,
renewable energy, fossil fuels, and power and storage technologies.
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
✓ Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
Energy RTD policy
Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Powerful search engine,
user guideline, search tips.
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
Limited detail on projects
but suffi cient to know
what’s on and to do
extended searches.
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Weekly updated.
Links to other systems
Links to other UK Research
Councils and to the
UK government portal
Directgov.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
International
Languages
English
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The EPSRC website contains extensive information on the programmes managed by EPSRC and directed to
encourage RTD in the physical sciences and engineering. It has a well functioning web facility that enables to
browse and search the EPSRC portfolio of research. This facility is equipped with a powerful search engine. The
EPSRC database covers 5 873 RTD projects; energy RTD accounts for about 6%. This only includes UK RTD. Other
UK Research Councils operate their own databases on their websites.

Name of system US DOE EERE website
Website www.eere.energy.gov
Commissioner U.S. Department of Energy
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
System operator Offi ce of Energy Effi ciency and
Renewable Energy
Washington DC 20585
Type of organisation Policy organisation
System description
Context The mission of the Offi ce of Energy Effi ciency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is to
“strengthen America’s energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality”.
EERE pursues a diverse portfolio of research, development, and demonstration with the
ultimate aim of bringing a prosperous future where energy is clean, abundant, reliable, and
affordable. One of their specifi c goals is to strengthen public-private partnerships that bring
clean, reliable and affordable energy technologies to the marketplace.
Description of the
information system
The EERE website is instrumental in supporting the EERE programmes and technologies.
The website contains a comprehensive section on the RTD activities performed under the
11 U.S. RTD programmes on energy effi ciency and renewable energy. This section reports
in a detailed way on these activities; for each programme it contains updated technology
roadmaps, programme plans, progress reports, programme reviews, and workshop
proceedings. The annual progress reports of each programme include detailed and up-todate
descriptions (pdf docs of 5 to 6 pages) of all individual running projects, categorised
along the thematic structure of the programmes and progress reports.
The website also contains an Energy Information Portal, a gateway to numerous websites
and online documents on energy effi ciency and renewable energy. This section is not
focused on RTD but available as background information for the general public.
Content The website reports on the 11 EERE RTD programmes that cover the following issues:
- Biomass - Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Infrastructure
- Building Technologies - Industrial Technologies
- Distributed Energy - Solar Energy Technologies
- Federal Energy Management - Wind and Hydropower Technologies
- Freedom CAR and Vehicle Technologies - Weatherization and Intergovernmental
- Geothermal Technologie
Basic features
Functions/info provided
Partner search
✓ Funding possibilities
✓ Energy RTD programmes
✓ Running energy RTD
✓ Energy RTD results
✓ Energy RTD policy
✓ Policy assessments
Other: …
Additional services:
Search engine, newsletter
Targeted users
✓ Industry/federations
✓ RTD organisations
✓ Policy organisations
✓ Research networks
Level of detail
Limited detail on projects
but suffi cient to know
what’s on and to do
extended searches.
RTD focus
✓ Fundamental research
✓ Industrial/applied res.
✓ Socio-econ. research
✓ Demonstration
Frequency of update
Updated daily. Running
projects’ information is
updated yearly.
Links to other systems
Links to some specifi c
databases and to the
websites of energy RTD
actors.
Geographical scope
Regional
✓ National
European
International
Languages
1 language: English
Access to the system
✓ Free of charge
Registered
Subscription
Payment per item
Remarks
The EERE website is well structured and contains valuable information on the U.S. RTD programmes and
projects on energy effi ciency and renewable energy. It gives a good overview of the current status of policy and
programmes. It provides adequate descriptions of the results of individual RTD projects. It enables researchers
to be updated on energy RTD project results and developments in their topic of interest and provides them with
suffi cient information to do extended searches. The website is easily accessible and user friendly.
95

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Annex C – Descriptions of 70 other examples of energy
RTD information systems
This annex lists 70 other examples of energy RTD information systems or energy RTD related
websites that were for various reasons not selected for detailed description under this study. The
websites and their content are briefl y described hereafter.
This list of websites is the fruit of web search and suggestions of respondents to the user
questionnaire of the study; it must be considered as a list of examples and is by defi nition not
complete. For additional info and feedback: please contact the authors!
Short name Website Description and relevance for the study
AUS CSIRO
Australia
CAN AERI
Canada
CAN CERI
Canada
CZ Czech
Energy
Research
Center - ERC
www.csiro.au CSIRO is Australia’s Commonwealth Scientifi c and Industrial
Research Organisation. Energy is one of the focus sectors of this
organization. Research areas are easily accessible including the
energy section that is mainly focused on providing information
about the energy RTD programme.
http://www.aeri.ab.ca/ The Alberta Energy Research Institute was established August 1,
2000, by the Alberta Science and Research Authority Act in Canada
and is responsible for all energy-related research for the province.
The project database of AERI is under construction.
www.ceri.ca The Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI) is an independent,
non-profi t research institute committed to excellence in the analysis
of energy economics and related environmental policy issues in the
producing, transportation, and consuming sectors. The website
gives information on research areas but the project information
section is under development.
http://www.vsb.cz/vec/
eng/
DE BEWAG www.innovationbrennstoffzelle.de
DE Bine www.bine.info, www.
energie-projekte.de
This Website mainly presents the activities of the Czech Energy
Research Centre, operated by the Energy Engineering Department
of the VŠB-TU Ostrava, and funded by the Czech Ministry of
Education. The website also includes a list of energy research
projects.
This website presents detailed information on the BEWAG European
demonstration project on fuel cells and on hydrogen, in DE and EN.
Specifi c energy RTD issue.
Demonstration service of BINE presenting best practice projects
related to energy across Germany. The website is directed to
dissemination and promotion of new energy technologies. Projects
include energy conservation, fuels and new energy technologies.
DE BMWA www.bmwa.bund.de This is the website of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour
(BMWA = Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit) that holds
responsibilities for energy policy. Contains information on energy
RTD policy, energy RTD projects and also on German energy RTD
dissemination initiatives.
DE DWV www.dwv-info.de Website of the German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association.
Numerous links to different fi rms and undertakings with relevance to
hydrogen, fuel cells, automotive vehicles, environment and politics.
Not focusing on energy RTD.
DE energy
atlas
DE energy
portal
www.energieatlas.de Database for the market sector of renewable energy in Stuttgart
Region; Not directed to energy RTD but to dissemination of good
results of new energy technologies.
www.energieportal24.de German portal on hydrogen, fuel cell and renewable energies. Portal
for information on energy issues; not on energy RTD.
97

98
Short name Website Description and relevance for the study
DE Entec http://www.fi z-nformations
dienste.de/en/DB/entec/
index.html
DE
Environment
Ministry
DE fuel cell
forum
The online bibliographic database ENTEC (ENergy TEChnology)
predominantly contains publications of the fi elds of energy research
and energy technology. All citations have abstracts in German
and/or English and a uniform classifi cation (international energy
classifi cation), as well as keywords in German and/or English.
Focus is on German publications, but international publications
are cited as well. File data are from 1986 to the present; ENTEC
includes more than 688.067 citations, is updated weekly; annual
new acquisition of approximately 20 000 new documents. A fee
is charged for access to the database. A free Demo database is
available to get a quick overview.
‘Fachinformationszentrum’ (FIZ) Karlsruhe and FIZ Technik
Frankfurt/Main jointly produce ENTEC. FIZ Karlsruhe is a nonprofi
t scientifi c service institution that produces and markets
scientifi c and technical information services in print and electronic
form worldwide. In cooperation with national and international
institutions, FIZ Karlsruhe produces highly sophisticated
databases in the fi elds of energy, nuclear research and technology,
crystallography, plastics, mathematics, computer science and
physics. Information is made available electronically through
different distribution channels on the Internet, via proprietary
networks or as specialized services in printed form. FIZ Karlsruhe’s
most important business area is the operation of STN International
in Europe. STN International (The Scientifi c and Technical
Information Network) is one of the world’s leading online services
offering access to bibliographic, factual and full-text databases in
science and technology.
The ENTEC website also links to the IEA Energy and IEA ETDEWEB
databases. The IEA Energy website can also be accessed via STN
on the Web and STN Easy.
www.bmu.de Website of the German Environment Ministry. Contains policy
information on energy and renewable energy. No energy RTD
project info.
www.forumbrennstoffzelle.de
Local website of a German state Baden-Württemberg on fuel cell
research and developments. Local initiative on a specifi c fi eld of
energy policy.
DE H guide 2 www.h2guide.de Descriptions of more than 20 hydrogen projects in the whole
Federal Republic of Germany. Initiative on a specifi c fi eld of energy
policy.
DE PTJ www.fz-juelich.de/ptj Website of Project Management Jülich (PTJ) of the Jülich Research
Centre. PTJ undertakes the project management of funding
programmes and research priorities for the Federal Ministry
of Education and Research (BMBF), the Federal Ministry of
Economics and Technology (BMWi), the Federal Ministry for the
Environment (BMU) and Ministries of several Federal States. PTJ is
in charge of German energy research and new energy technologies
programmes. The website is mainly directed to programme and
funding information, not to results of energy RTD.
DE PTJ
annual report
www.ptj-jahresberichte.de This website contains information on energy and biotechnology
projects. FIZ Karlsruhe maintains the website for the account of
Project Management Jülich (PTJ) of the Jülich Research Centre.
Annual reports were published since 1995 and are online since
1999. The archive contains 7.100 projects (years 1995-2001).

Short name Website Description and relevance for the study
DE Research
Foundation
DK
energygate
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
www.dfg.de Website of the German Research Foundation (‘Deutsche Forsch
ungsgemeinschaft’), a self-governing research organisation that
promotes research at universities and other publicly fi nanced
research institutions in Germany. This website contains a project
database that gives access to project descriptions of all research
projects currently funded by the DFG (in German). The database
also contains energy research projects. Initiative of an individual
funding organisation.
www.energiportal.dk Energygate is a Danish collection of quality resources on
the Internet in the fi eld of energy technology. Energygate is
a cooperation between Aalborg University Library, Technical
Knowledge Center of Denmark, Risø Library and Denmark’s
Electronic Research Library, deff.dk. Full content available in
Danish; partly also in English. It contains a direct link to ETDEWEB
for Danish users. Also contains links to university libraries. Mainly a
hub.
ES IDEA www.idae.es This is the website of the Institute for Energy Diversifi cation and
Effi ciency (IDAE) in Spain. IDEA is a public company, depending
on the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce, through the
General Secretariat of Energy. IDAE’s mission is to promote energy
effi ciency and the rational use of energy in Spain, as well as the
diversifi cation of energy sources and the promotion of renewable
energy.
The website informs on IDEA’s activities, includes descriptions
of successful operating projects funded by IDEA in the fi eld of
energy generation (areas: cogeneration, hydro, photovoltaic, wind)
and also informs on funding of new energy technology projects
(‘ICO-IDAE Finance for Energy Effi ciency and Renewable Energy
projects – 2004) and innovation projects (Order CTE/3131/2003
of investigation aids, of 12/11/2003, call for aid concessions for
investigation projects).
EU Agores www.agores.org The Agores site is reportedly designed to be the most extensive
European information centre and knowledge gateway for renewable
energy, helping to promote the European Union’s strategy to
achieve 12% of RES by 2010. It shall do this by allowing fast
and effi cient access to an extensive range of information and
connecting all the major renewable energy players. Aim is not to
duplicate any information that already exists on the internet, but
simply make effi cient links to this data.
The site seems to be funded by DG TREN as their logo is put on the
site. The last news items are from May 2001 so the site seems to be
outdated.
EU CORDIS
technology
platforms
http://www.cordis.lu/
technology-platforms
This is a sub site of CORDIS that provides information from the
European Commission services on the development of technology
platforms, initially through summary fi ches on many of the emerging
cases. Technology platforms are being set up at the initiative of
the Commission and industry, and shall bring together companies,
research institutions, the fi nancial world and the regulatory
authorities at the European level to defi ne a common research
agenda which should mobilise a critical mass of national and
European public and private resources. The European Hydrogen
and Fuel Cell Technology Platform is one of these technology
platforms.
99

100
Short name Website Description and relevance for the study
EU DG RES
website
EU DG TREN
Energy
website
http://www.europa.
eu.int/comm/research/
energy/index_en.htm
http://www.europa.
eu.int/comm/energy/
index_en.html
EU ENER http://www.eu.fhg.de/
ENER/Enerhome.htm
The aim of the energy website of DG Research is to provide
information regarding the objectives, activities and policies of
the European Commission (EC) with respect to European Union
(EU) Energy Research. The website intends to promote greater
awareness and understanding among researchers, industry, policymakers
and the general public about all aspects of EU energy
research and EC activities in this area.
The website provides information on the latest developments in the
three main areas of energy research:
• Non-nuclear energy (clean energy technologies, energy effi ciency
and renewable energy sources)
• Fission and radiation protection
• Fusion.
The site refers to the CORDIS website for specifi c information
regarding participation in EC Research Programmes.
The energy site of DG Transport and Energy (TREN) informs on
European energy policy issues and provides links to sites of the
relevant EU support programmes (FP6, IEE 2003-2006, ‘Energy’
Framework Programme 1998-2002 including ALTENER, SAVE,
SYNERGY, CARNOT, ETAP, SURE, and Managenergy Information
Services for Local and Regional Energy Actors).
The European Network for Energy Economics Research (ENER) is a
network of energy research institutes. The website mainly presents
the ENER organization and activities.
EU ENR www.enr-network.org The European Energy Network EnR is a voluntary association of
energy agencies and other organisations in 19 European countries.
The website informs on projects and working groups of EnR. EnR
focus is on energy policy implementation, not on energy RTD.
EU
Eurelectric
www.eurelectric.org Website of Eurelectric, the Union of the Electricity Industry. Informs
on the activities and issues of Eurelectric. Does not hold energy
RTD project info.
EU Eurorex www.eurorex.com The EuroREX website was set up to promote renewable energy in
Europe; the site provides commercial, investment, export, country,
and technology information. Provided mainly policy information,
no energy RTD. Project sponsored by the EU Thermie programme.
The initiative seems to be outdated; information dates back to
1997/1998; the site does not accept subscriptions.
EU Eurostat http://europa.eu.int/
comm/eurostat/
Portal of Eurostat, the Statistical Offi ce of the European
Communities. Contains statistics on energy and environment, and
also on science and technology.
EU HyNet www.hynet.info Website of HyNet, the so-called European Thematic Network on
Hydrogen. HyNet aims to be a neutral platform for industries,
politics and universities. It is mandated by the EC to assist in
defi nition of EU‘s H2 R&D strategy and to provide input to the High
Level Group on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (HLG). It’s secretariat
is supported by the European Commission. It has put in place
Thematic Working Groups, an information website, and a whois-who
database. The HyNet.info website informs on HyNet
activities, EC activities in this fi eld, presents examples of hydrogen
demonstration projects across Europe and links to the European
hydrogen projects database HyWeb.

Short name Website Description and relevance for the study
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
EU HyWeb www.hydrogen.org HyWeb claims to be the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Information System
in the Internet. It contains articles, news items and publications
on hydrogen and fuel cells and also contains a hydrogen and fuel
cell projects database (supported by the European Commission).
The database contains 618 projects to date; project descriptions
contain basic information as title, contact details, abstract in
English. Project data can be entered free of charge. HyWeb is
currently preparing an additional database on companies and
research centres, in cooperation with HyNet.info
EU JRC
Stresa
EU JRC
Stresa ODIN
http://lunar.jrc.it/
stresaWebSite/Index.
asp
http://odmd.jrc.nl/index.
html
EU JSRI http://w2ksrvx.ike.unistuttgart.de/jsri/
STRESA stands for Storage of Research Documents and Analyses
and is the database for the conservation and dissemination of
any type of experimental and analytical data of the European
Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). To date 12 different
STRESA websites are online and managed by JRC institutes,
universities or scientifi c institutes.
One of the STRESA databases is the ODIN database: Online Data
and Information Network for Energy. ODIN is developed by the JRC
Institute for Energy for the European energy research community
and contains engineering databases, document management sites
and other information related to European research in the area
of nuclear and conventional energy. The scientifi c and technical
responsibilities for the databases and its administration reside at
the Institute for Energy (IE-Petten) in the Data Management and
Dissemination sector.
This is the Homepage of the Joint Safety Research Index II-
Database. The European Commission supports this project under
the 5th European R&D Framework Programme. It is point of
the general strategy of dissemination of information on Nuclear
Research Activities in the European Commission. The database
describes 1 600 JSRI projects from 1998 to 2004, contains
information about 640 nuclear safety experts, and combines 36
contributors from 17 countries.
FR Ademe www.ademe.fr The website of ADEME (‘Agence de l’environnement et de la
maitrise de l’énergie’) informs on the missions of this agency and
provides information on relevant thematic issues. Ademe fi nances
developmental research in renewable energy and energy effi ciency,
with a particular emphasis on near-to-market technologies and
demonstrator projects. ADEME’s “energy and climate change”
research programme addresses reduction of greenhouse gases
from industrial processes, offshore wind power, photovoltaics,
geothermal energy, energy effi cient housing and technologies
for the hydrogen economy. Ademe holds a database of scientifi c
literature including scientifi c reports produced by research funded
by Ademe of 33 000 items. This database can be accessed through
Minitel; access through the Internet is under preparation. No RTD
project information available on the site.
FR CEA www.cea.fr The Atomic Energy Commission CEA is a public research
organisation that focuses on applied and fundamental RTD on
nuclear defence and civil nuclear research and now also has
signifi cant programmes in renewable energy and electronics.
The CEA website informs on CEA’s strategies and activities and
contains thematic ‘dossiers’. No energy RTD information database.
FR EDF www.edf.fr
www.edf.com
Websites of the EDF Group. Since 1946, Electricité de France (EDF)
has been the main player in the French electricity market. EDF’s
development for more than ten years as an investor and operator
in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa has led to the gradual
construction of the EDF Group. EDF holds a signifi cant budget for
energy RTD. The websites inform on de activities and developments
of EDF in France and worldwide, and refer to some energy
effi ciency projects. No energy RTD info system.
101

102
Short name Website Description and relevance for the study
FR Industry
Ministry
FR Research
Ministry
INT EAGE
website
www.industrie.gouv.fr The industry website of the ‘Ministère de l’Economie, des Finances
et de l’Industrie’ informs on related policy issues. The website
contains information on French energy policy for which the Ministry
is in charge, as well as information on energy policy developments.
The Ministry funds the ‘Institut Français du Petrol’ a reputed
research institute in oil and gas. No energy RTD information
database.
www.recherche.gouv.fr The research website of the ‘Ministère de l’éducation nationale,
de l’enseignement supérieur et de la recherche’ informs on related
policy issues. The website contains information on the French
RTD infrastructure and also on energy RTD issues. No energy RTD
information database
www.eage.org EAGE is a professional association for geoscientists and
engineers. It is a European based organisation with a worldwide
membership. Members of EAGE are involved in geophysics,
petroleum exploration, geology, reservoir engineering, mining
and civil engineering. The website informs on EAGE’s activities:
conferences and exhibitions, workshops and symposia, educational
programmes and publications (monthly magazine, scientifi c journals
and extensive online bookshop).
INT Energys www.energys.com This website is a gateway to various energy information websites
but does not contain energy RTD info.
INT Fuel
Cells 2000
INT
Fuelcelltoday
www.fuelcells.org Online fuel cell information centre. Fuel Cells 2000 is an activity of
the US based Breakthrough Technologies Institute (BTI), a nonprofi
t educational organization formed to promote the development
and early commercialisation of fuel cells and related pollution-free,
effi cient energy generation, storage and utilization technologies and
fuels. BTI maintains the Fuel Cells 2000 web site in order to give
internet users around the world access to a wealth of information
about fuel cell technology.
www.fuelcelltoday.com Fuel Cell Today is a global internet portal that aims to accelerate
the commercialisation of fuel cells. Fuel Cell Today aims to serve
everyone who is part of exists for the global fuel cell community,
from research scientists and marketers to journalists and end users.
Fuel Cell Today is produced by Johnson Matthey plc. London,
leading player in the fuel cell industry. All of the services are free
although registration may be required for certain features.
Fuel Cell Today aims to help users to:
• Keep up with fuel cell market news and events
• Gather, disseminate and share fuel cell industry information
• Interact with other users and industry experts on topical issues
• Contribute to a vibrant, industry-specifi c community
• Access investment information and explore business
opportunities
• Learn about the potential of fuel cells and educate others
INT H 2 FC www.h2fc.com Comprehensive website of a US based private editor and
publisher on fuel cells. Contains a wealth of information on fuel
cells; publishes 5 to 10 international news items a day, enables
to generate results lists with keyword search that give access
to fuel cell documents on sites of international bodies, national
governments, private companies and scientifi c institutes all over the
world.

Short name Website Description and relevance for the study
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
INT Oilit www.oilit.com Oil Information Technology Journal (ISSN 1632-9120) is a monthly
newsletter focused on oil and gas information technology, published
by The Data Room, 92310 Sevres, France. OilITJ is published on
paper and as an electronic edition for company intranets. The
OILIT.com website contains a full text indexed archive of articles
appearing in Oil ITJ from 1996 until one year ago. From then on,
the public domain information in full text is limited to headlines and
editorials. Nearly 2 000 articles are available in full text and another
300 as headlines.
INT
Solarbuzz
www.solarbuzz.com Solarbuzz is an international solar energy research and consulting
company. The mission of Solarbuzz is to be the leading solar
photovoltaic energy consultancy in the world. The Solarbuzz
website enables to be updated on solar developments.
INT SPE.org www.spe.org This website of the Society for Petroleum Engingeers contains
36,000+ technical papers covering the full range of exploration and
production technology.
INT WEC http://www.worldenergy.
org/wec-geis/ghg2001/
ghgmain.asp
Online database of the World Energy Council (WEC) presenting GhG
reduction projects all over the world.
The WEC GHG Emissions Reduction Programme was launched
in 2000 as an industry initiative led by the WEC to record, on an
interactive electronic system, the projects in which the global
energy industry is involved and the reductions in Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions they are expected to achieve. The Pilot stage of
the Programme lasted fi ve years and its initial goal was to identify
and register projects, which together would achieve 1Gt CO2e
emissions reduction by the year 2005. The agreed timeframe was
for projects becoming operational in the 1999 to 2005 period. The
initial target was reached already in 2001, and the WEC Programme
Committee increased the target to 2 Gt CO2e. The time frame was
altered, so that projects becoming operational between 1999 and
2010 could be entered onto the database. The 2 Gt amounts to
about 8% of world CO2 emissions in the year 2000 (32 Gt from all
sources, 24 from energy) and is getting into the range of the Kyoto
targets.
Most of the projects in the database are related to electricity
generation using low or non-polluting sources. The projects
database provides an opportunity for industries, fi nancial
institutions, and others seeking emissions offsets, to identify
promising projects. The information in the registry can also be
used for identifying potential projects for emissions trading, Joint
Implementation (JI), Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and any
other bilateral or international agreements.
IT ENEA www.enea.it Website of the Italian Agency for New Technologies, Energy and
the Environment. ENEA promotes and conducts energy research.
The website informs on ENEA’s activities and provides details on
some of its research projects (e.g. on the thermodynamic solar
project) in English and Italian. It gives access to an online library
system in Italian that enables users to conduct keyword searches in
worldwide scientifi c e-journals and e-literature. Info on energy RTD
projects seems not to be accessible on the ENEA website.
IT ENEL www.enel.it Website of the leading Italian electricity company, one of the largest
private funders of energy RTD in Italy. Website informs in Italian and
English on the company; not on its energy RTD.
IT ENI www.eni.it Website of the leading Italian oil and gas company, one of the
largest private funder of energy RTD in Italy, for example through its
daughter company EniTechnologie. Website informs in Italian and
English on the company; not on its energy RTD.
103

104
Short name Website Description and relevance for the study
IT MI www.minindustria.it/ Website of the Italian Ministry of Industry that is responsible for
setting energy policy, including energy RTD policy. The website
informs in Italian on the Ministry’s activities; no information on
energy RTD on the site.
IT MURST www.murst.it Website of the Italian Ministry for Universities and Scientifi c and
Technological Research (MURST). The website informs in Italian on
the Ministry’s activities; no information on energy RTD seems to be
on the site.
NL ECN www.ecn.nl Website of the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands.
Contains information on ECN research and research projects in EN
and NL.
NO EUCRIS http://www.nsd.uib.no/
english/research/eucris/
PL Energy
RTD
REG Baltic
Environmental
Information
Dissemination
System
Gateway to European Current Research Information Systems.
Website of the Norwegian Social Science Data Services (NSD), a
resource centre servicing the Norwegian research community. Its
main objective is to secure easy access for the Norwegian research
community to data and to provide various services. Hub to research
info systems. Website outdated but still of value (2000).
http://p6a.torn.com.pl Website on energy RTD information under construction of the
Network of Sustainable Energy Systems, foreseen in EN and PL.
http://beids.tec-hh.net The “Baltic Environmental Information Dissemination System
(BEIDS)” was launched in 1998 as a project aimed at acting as a
focal point for the circulation of intelligent information on energy,
transport and sustainable development issues. It involves Denmark,
Finland, Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. Mainly
hub with regional sustainability information and initiatives related to
the Baltic area. No info on energy RTD projects.
REG REC www.rec.org Site of the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern
Europe (REC). Does include some information on the Renewable
Energy and Energy Effi ciency Partnership (REEEP). Focus of REC is
on environment. No energy RTD info.
SE Elforsk www.elforsk.se The website of Elforsk (Swedish electrical utilities’ R&D company).
Only available in Swedish.
SE Swedish
energy
agency
SE
Varmeforsk
website
SK Slovak
Energy
Agency
www.stem.se Website of STEM, the Swedish Energy Agency. Provides
information on the activities of the agency, in Swedish and English.
Includes a publication ordering service. Contains a section on
energy research, however only in Swedish, that includes information
on demonstration and pilot projects, some project documents
and links to databases as the ETDEWEB and Swedish research
databases.
www.varmeforsk.se Website of the Swedish Thermal Engineering Research Institute
Värmeforsk, specialised in heat and power production. The
research and development at Värmeforsk are fi nanced jointly by
industry and state through Swedish Energy Agency. Värmeforsk
has approximately 100 R&D projects in progress on a continuous
basis. The website is available in Swedish and English. Only in
the Swedish version: an extensive report database that includes
descriptions of all reports and that enables users to order and
download these reports.
www.sea.gov.sk Website of the Slovak Energy Agency that mainly informs on the
activities of this Agency, in Slovak and in English.

Short name Website Description and relevance for the study
UK DTI http://www.dti.gov.
uk/energy/
UK Supergen http://www.supergen.
co.uk/
UK UKERC
United
Kingdom
Energy
Research
Centre
US California
Energy
Commission
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Website of the UK’s Department of Trade and Industry’s Energy
Group. Contains information on UK energy policy developments
and legislation. Does not include information on energy RTD.
Some information on technology programmes that are co-funding
demonstrations of new technologies.
Sustainable Power Generation and Supply) initiative is a programme
of research at UK universities funded by the Engineering and
Physical Sciences Research Council. To date the Supergen initiative
consists reportedly of 4 consortia (biomass and biofuels, networks,
hydrogen technology, marine); future consortia are planned in
photovoltaic, fuel cells, distributed systems, energy storage and
fossil fuel plant lifetime extension. The website links to the websites
of the 4 consortia where detailed information on the research
programme and progress are given. Links to a small selection of UK
energy RTD projects.
http://www.ukerc.ac.uk/ Website of the UK Energy Research Centre. The Centre was
established on 1 April 2004 for an initial period of fi ve years. The
centre is an investment by the Research Councils and part of the
UK Towards a Sustainable Energy Economy Programme (TSEC).
The Centre will provide a focus for energy research in the UK,
and for co-operation between the UK and researchers from other
countries. The current website provides basic information about the
centre; the website will reportedly be replaced in Autumn 2004 once
the Centre activities are fully under way. No energy RTD project
information yet.
http://www.energy.
ca.gov/reports/reports_
500.html
Energy Technology Development section of the website of the
California Energy Commission. Includes Renewable Energy and
R&D Reports over 1996-2004. Discloses practical results of
demonstration and policy projects in energy.
US DOE EIA http://www.eia.doe.gov Site of the US Energy Information Administration. Very informative
site with extensive information on energy and energy statistics. No
energy RTD info.
US DOE
NREL
US DOE
OSTI
US
energytrends
http://www.nrel.gov/ Website of the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy,
Offi ce of Energy Effi ciency and Renewable Energy, operated by
Midwest Research Institute Battelle. Provides access to a wealth
of info on renewable energy. Contains project descriptions and
contacts.
www.osti.gov The website of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Offi ce of
Scientifi c and Technical Information (OSTI) provides access to a
wealth of energy, science, and RTD info.
http://energytrends.pnl.
gov
The research presented on the energytrends website was
conducted by the Pacifi c Northwest National Laboratory with the
support of the US DOE’s Offi ce of Science. The site informs on
trends in energy research, development, and investment around
the world. The site is not updated; information dates back to 2000.
The site contains full reports of the study on energy RTD investment
trends across countries and also in-depth reports examining
trends in energy R&D investment in the EU and eight industrialized
countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands,
the United Kingdom, and the United States.
105

Annex D – Interviews and Advisory board
D.1 Interviews
Telephone interviews were held with the following people.
Name Mr Michael Stenitzer
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Organisation Energytech, EVA The Austrian Energy Agency (Energieverwertungsagentur)
Function Project manager
Target group RTD Management / Information System operator
E-mail stenitzer@eva.ac.at
Name Dr. Sabine Semke Jutta Perl-Mai
Organisation
Projektträger Jülich (PTJ - GIN)
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
52425 Jülich
Germany
BINE Informationsdienst
Fachinformationszentrums (FIZ)
Mechenstraße 57
53129 Bonn
Germany
Department GIN
Function Team leader Team leader
Target group RTD Management Information System operator
E-mail s.semke@fz-juelich.de jutta.perl-mai@fi z-karlsruhe.de
Name Prof. Dr. P.L Iske Dr. Ir. W.H. Boersma
Organisation
KnoCom
Rietschoot 1
NL-1511 WB Oostzaan
The Netherlands
Integral Knowledge Utilization BV
Badhuisweg 3
NL-1031 CM Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Function Director Director
Target group Knowledge Management Knowledge Management
E-mail paul.iske@knocom.com w.boersma@integral.nl
107

108
D.2 Advisory Board
The Advisory Board commented on the draft fi nal report and assisted in identifying respondents
for the study. The Advisory Board consisted of the following people:
Name Mr Wolfgang Lutz Ms Dorota Chwieduk
Organisation
AES – Energy strategies for sustainable
development
Langeraarseweg 181
NL-2461 GX Ter Aar
The Netherlands
Institute of Fundamental Technological
Research, Polish Academy of Sciences
IFTR PAS
Swietokrzyska 21, 00 049 Warsaw
Poland
Function Director Senior Researcher
E-mail wfl utz@energy-strategies.org dchwied@ippt.gov.pl
Website http://www.energy-strategies.org www.ippt.gov.pl
Name Mr Cees van Halen
Organisation
Partners for Innovation
Daal en Bergselaan 56-H
NL-2565 AG Den Haag
The Netherlands
Function Partner
E-mail c.van.halen@partnersforinnovation.com

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Annex E – Spending on energy RTD according to IEA
109

Annex F – Literature and sources
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
British Embassy (2004): ‘French public sector research in Energy and Climate Change’, http://
www.britishembassy.gov.uk
Dooley JJ and Runci PJ (1999): ‘Adopting a long view to energy R&D and global climate change’,
February 1999
European Commission (2004a): ‘First refl ections on the future of International Scientifi c
Cooperation’, Directorate-General for Research, Unit for International Scientifi c Cooperation
Policy, Brussels, 2004
European Commission (2004b): ‘Science and technology, the key to Europe’s future - Guidelines
for future European Union policy to support research’, COM(2004)353fi nal, Brussels, 16.6.2004
Evans Meredydd (1999): ‘Energy R&D in Italy’, Battelle Memorial Institute, December 1999
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (2004): ‘Education, Research, Innovation
– Shaping our Future’, BMBF, Bonn
IEA (2002): ‘IEA Bio energy, Strategic plan 2003-2006’, publication produced by the Implementing
Agreement on Bio energy, part of the international energy technology collaboration programme
under the auspices of the IEA.
IEA (2004): consultation of the ‘R&D database Energy statistics’, International Energy Agency,
http://www.beyond2020.com
Luiten E.E.M. and Blok K.(1999), ‘Energy R&D in the Netherlands’, Department of Science,
Technology and Society, Utrecht University, April 1999
PricewaterhouseCoopers (2002): ‘Evaluation of the Dutch participation to Implementing
Agreements’ (‘Evaluatie van de Nederlandse deelname aan Implementing Agreements’), Utrecht,
August 2002
Runci PJ (1999a): ‘Energy R&D in European Union’, Battelle Memorial Institute, December 1999
Runci PJ (1999b): ‘Energy R&D in Germany’, Battelle Memorial Institute, May 1999
Runci PJ (2000): ‘Energy R&D in the United Kingdom’, Battelle Memorial Institute, March 2000
US DOE (2004): ‘Appropriation document Science, FY 2004 Congressional Budget’, pp 523-526,
available on www.mbe.doe.gov/budget/04budget)
Weggeman M.C.D.P. (2000): ‘Knowledge management in practice (Dutch)’, Scriptum
World Energy Council (2001): ‘Energy Technologies for the 21st Century. Energy Research,
Development and Demonstration Expenditure 1985-2000: An International Comparison’, study
group of the WEC, August 2001
As well as documents and websites of the 95 energy RTD information systems and energy RTD
related websites reported in annexes B and C.
111

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
Annex G – US DOE’s Technical Information Management
(Excerpt from FY 2004 DOE congressional budget, pages 523 – 526) (US DOE 2004)
Mission Supporting Goals and Measures
R&D is the process of exploration, discovery, and sharing of the knowledge gained. Scientifi c
progress is only possible if knowledge is shared. The Technical Information Management (TIM)
subprogramme is instrumental in directly performing this critical part of the R&D cycle. TIM
collects the research results, maintains the information, and makes that information available
to the broader scientifi c community to contribute to the advancement of science, thereby
completing the cycle of building on knowledge previously gained and combining it with newly
discovered insights. TIM assures that the scientifi c and technical information emanating from the
myriad DOE research activities is effectively managed and disseminated per legislative mandates
to benefi t the nation.
DOE’s missions in science and technology, national defence, energy resources, and environmental
stewardship are all dependent on a strong base of R&D. DOE R&D activities are decentralized,
occurring at national laboratories, in academia, and among individual contractors. TIM organizes
these widely dispersed research results into searchable sets. Using innovative information
technologies, TIM makes them available to the widest possible audience in accordance with the
body of legislation that dictates DOE’s responsibilities to share information. In this manner, DOE is
assured of having historic and current research results readily available and reusable to advance
its missions; providing access to those in R&D pursuits and to the science-attentive public; and
promoting and safeguarding national security interests. TIM projects and initiatives deliver the
scientifi c knowledge emanating from DOE via cost-effective e-government information retrieval
systems. These initiatives help make science information more visible and useable.
TIM Programme Direction funding provides staffi ng and resources to both direct and execute
the TIM subprogramme mission. Federally-staffed functions include policy development and
integration; U.S. and DOE representation in interagency and international information exchange
agreements; management of safeguards and security activities; administration; personnel
management; budget formulation and execution; procurement and contract management;
records management; classifi ed information programme management; facility management;
and collecting, preserving, organizing, and disseminating the information resulting from DOE’s
R&D investment, including re-engineering mission-critical systems to take full advantage of
electronic information technology. As a result of the capabilities TIM uses to fulfi l Departmentwide
responsibilities, it also provides, on a cost-reimbursable basis, specialized scientifi c and
technical information systems or services to individual DOE Programme Offi ces.
Accomplishments
Progress with Information Technology and e-Government Practices: The TIM subprogramme
is instrumental in performing the sharing of knowledge – a critical part of the R&D cycle. Broad
access, preservation, and electronic availability of this knowledge are critical. By implementing
innovative information technologies, TIM has drastically changed the manner by which it does
business, moving from a paper-based to an electronic work environment. As measured by the
quantity of STI disseminated and the number of patrons served, TIM plays a more useful role now
than in prior years. For example, in the paper environment (1995), TIM distributed 10,000 reports
113

114
per year upon request; now, patrons of TIM’s web-based systems are downloading 260,000 fulltext
reports (plus a much larger number of individual page views) per year. In 2001, TIM’s web
sites and e-government information systems logged nearly 6,000,000 user transactions – a 79
percent increase over the previous year. In addition, using electronic delivery of information has
resulted in a 90 percent reduction in the cost per user transaction
Shift in Coverage of Journal Literature: Unveiled in 1999, PubSCIENCE provided researchers
and science-attentive citizens access via the web to bibliographic records of peer-reviewed
journal literature relating to DOE-supported work. PubSCIENCE was a modern tool to fulfi l
a longstanding responsibility to provide access to a collection of R&D records created by or
relevant to DOE researchers. PubSCIENCE effectively served its purpose, offering citations in
disciplines of interest to DOE at a time when no equivalent free-for-use private sector service was
available. However, in FY 2002, after analyzing the availability of freely searchable journal citations
now available via the web through secondary information providers Scirus and Infotrieve, TIM
concluded that these private sector products fulfi lled the needs in coverage at no cost to users.
Consequently, the Department proposed to cease operation of PubSCIENCE and conducted a
30-day public notice period, as required by law; PubSCIENCE was terminated on November 4,
2002. TIM is now focused on improving coverage of DOE-sponsored journal literature, consistent
with fi ndings of several recent Inspector General reports. Information technology and software
have matured, allowing for a more focused and simplifi ed mechanism to access and account for
DOE R&D results
DOE is making arrangements within the DOE community to compile this information. The
modest resources that previously supported PubSCIENCE have been redirected to deploy new
technologies specifi cally to harvest DOE journal information directly from the DOE Laboratories,
contractors, and grantees
Board of Visitors Programme Review: In June 2002, a distinguished Board of Visitors was
unifi ed in their support of TIM and the critical nature of its mission. The members of the Board
specifi cally cited TIM’s signifi cant progress in rapidly shifting from a paper-based operation to
an effi cient webbased environment; partnering and collaborating with other federal agencies
and the private sector in promoting e-government systems; and maintaining a professional,
productive workforce amidst severe resource constraints
Science.gov Alliance: The TIM subprogramme continues its participation in the development
and enhancement of science.gov, the Interagency Science web resource. Hosted by OSTI,
science.gov has 12 participating federal agencies bringing S&T to citizens, including scientists,
teachers, students, and business people via one Internet site. Science.gov provides an integrated
place to search and access previously hard-to-fi nd government sponsored R&D projects and
results, through a single query. Different options and paths are available for a diverse body of
users. Science.gov provides a giant leap toward making e-government a reality and the U.S. an
international leader in the area of STI exchange
Awards and Recognition: The TIM subprogramme has demonstrated “fi rst in class” capabilities
in information collection, processing, and dissemination technologies and concepts, resulting
in recognition and increased visibility for the Department and the SC. Specifi c recognition from
outside the Department includes a commendation from the Depository Library Council of the
GPO for TIM’s Energy Citations Database (January 2002), and the 2001 Interagency Resource
Management Conference (IRMCO) Award for demonstrating exceptional ability to operate across
organizational boundaries to improve the government’s service to its people (September 2001).
Further, TIM was invited to write an article summarizing TIM’s information technology advances
for “Nature” magazine (May 2001). Within the Department, support and acknowledgement for

Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA
TIM’s successes is indicated by the 2001 DOE IT Quality Award for Management/Administrative
Excellence recognizing TIM’s leadership in implementing a streamlined system for providing
legacy and current DOE STI in the Energy Citations Database (March 2002); DOE Secretarial
Certifi cate of Achievement recognizing TIM and Scientifi c and Technical Information Programme
partners at DOE fi eld offi ces and laboratories for the completion of a successful transition from
paper to electronic technical information reporting in support of DOE’s R&D mission, three years
ahead of the DOE goal (March 2002); and 2000 DOE-Wide IT Quality Award for capitalizing on
technological advances in the Information Age to bring science information to the desktops of
U.S. and DOE researchers (March 2001).
Subprogramme Goals
Deliver the scientifi c knowledge generated by or relevant to DOE’s R&D programme via costeffective
e-government information retrieval systems to government, university, and industry
users “so as to provide free interchange of ideas and criticism which is essential to scientifi c and
industrial progress and public understanding and to enlarge the fund of technical information”
(excerpt from 42 U.S.C. § 2161). Provide stewardship for the Department’s legacy of classifi ed
and unclassifi ed STI; contribute to the Nation’s overall information infrastructure through
partnerships with international organizations and other government information dissemination
organizations such as the International Energy Agency’s Energy Technology Data Exchange
(ETDE), International Atomic Energy Agency’s International Nuclear Information System (INIS),
science.gov Alliance, Government Printing Offi ce (GPO), National Technical Information
Service, and CENDI (Commerce, Energy, Education, EPA, NASA, NLM, Defense, and Interior)
organizations.
Performance Indicators
Increased amount of DOE-sponsored STI available online and increased use of STI. Increased
amount of international STI available electronically.
Annual Performance Results and Targets – FY 2004 targets
• Increase the number of new full-text scientifi c and technical (S&T) documents available
electronically by 5,000 to a total of 75,000 and maintain access to over 2,000,000 citations.
• Increase in use of STI by 10 percent from a projected FY 2002 baseline of 6,000,000.
• Continue to support the science.gov Alliance by hosting the science.gov website.
• Increase the volume of international full-text information made electronically available to U.S.
citizens by 5 percent.
Funding schedule – FY 2004 - Technical Information Management
TIM Programme Support
E-Government Information Systems
R&D Tracking System
Foreign R&D Records
Electronic and Paper Document Storage
TIM Programme Direction (72 FTEs)
$ 750 000
$ 200 000
$ 100 000
$ 200 000
$ 6 524 000
Total $ 7 774 000
115

European Commission
EUR 21613 – Energy RTD information systems in the ERA
Luxembourg: Offi ce for Offi cial Publications of the European Communities
2005 – 115 pp. – 21.0 x 29.7 cm
ISBN 92-894-9368-2
Energy RTD Information Systems in the ERA

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Reliable and easily accessible information on European energy R&D is a crucial factor
for the implementation of the European Research Area. Numerous national and inter-
national information systems, varying with respect to target groups, scope, geographi-
cal coverage, language and conditions for access exist, but up to now they have not
been well interlinked. This study analyses existing systems for the fi rst time, compares
them with user’s needs and makes recommendations on how to improve European
energy RTD knowledge manangement.
15 KI-NA-21613-EN-C