Furthering the promise of renewable energy
With rising oil prices, instability in many oil-producing nations and growing concern for the environment, Europe is looking to renewable energy to advance transport, industry, environment and quality of life. France and Italy have joined forces to create a transnational platform that facilitates exchanges between different various stakeholders in renewable energy located in both countries. The EU-funded 'Platform for integration of trans regional energy R&D activities' (Piter) project is encouraging research and technological development as well as joint political and economic actions under renewable energy. Piter is helping to implement EU directives on better and more efficient use of alternative sources of energy as well as reduction of CO2 emissions at local and national levels. The project is coordinated by the Rhône-Alpes region in France and the Piedmont region in Italy, plus the two technological parks or clusters (one from each country) and a French consulting group. Under this consortium, Piter is developing a joint action plan on renewable energies to define a systemic approach covering environmental, economic, technological, political and social factors. It is mapping research and development (R&D) in the area, and also incorporating related industrial and institutional competencies to design the action plan. Piter is strongly focusing on research, and technological and industrial development to reduce CO2 emissions, while strengthening the emerging renewable energy market. Its main objective is to encourage clean technologies and improve quality of life by creating new jobs and reducing health problems, advancing the economic development of Rhône-Alpes and Piedmont regions. In addition, the project is promoting and strengthening cooperation between the two regional clusters involved. The French cluster is represented by Technologies Énergies Nouvelles Énergies Renouvelables Rhône-Alpes, Drôme, Isère, Savoie (Tenerrdis), and the one in Italy is represented by the Environmental Park in Torino. Piter is comparing how these two clusters currently operate and encouraging common learning based on transfer of best practices. Through a recent international seminar in Brussels on the 'Role of regions in implementing European energy R&D activities', Piter has communicated its project results and initiatives to other European regions. In summary, the Piter partnership can prove to be a very valuable example in setting up more such initiatives across Europe and can advance the adoption of renewable energy significantly.
