Renewable Energy Sources

The development of renewable energy sources and technologies is one of the main challenges for energy-related R&D. All Nordic countries stress the importance of this issue, although there are some differences regarding what areas to focus on. These differences are typically associated with available energy resources, industrial development and available expertise. However, several areas suggest themselves as areas in which the Nordic countries preferably should cooperate with regard to improving their knowledge base.

The most important renewable energy sources with regard to their energy potential in the Nordic countries are: bioenergy, wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, and hydroenergy. The last-mentioned is an ”old” renewable energy source, but there is a tremendous potential with regard to increasing the efficiency of old plants.

In addition to the technologies mentioned above, several others have commercial potential, due to available expertise, industrial basis, etc. One such example is the production of solar collectors. The international market for this product is growing at an annual rate of 25 per cent, and several of the Nordic countries have established industries and extensive knowledge in the field.